THAG wants more promotion for Guyana in the Caribbean

May 13, 2009 News

Local tourism operators who attended the recently concluded ‘Re-Discover the Caribbean’ Trade Show in Barbados are of the view that there needs to be more promotion of Guyana in the Caribbean.
The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) set up three booths at the event.
According to THAG, its representatives were given the opportunity to address the negative perceptions about Guyana raised by many persons at the trade show with regard to crime and were able to present a very positive image of Guyana and the very many attractions Guyana has as a nature tourism destination.
However, the delegation agreed that much of this perception will only be effectively addressed through intensive marketing and promotion of what Guyana has to offer to visitors through public/private sector partnerships.
Over the years, Guyana has had minimal presence in the regional media and among regional tour operators and travel agencies, THAG stated.
According to the Association, “this clearly needs to be further examined and approached collaboratively by the members of the public and private sectors for the placement of multimedia presentations onto Caribbean programmes.”
With the exception of limited coverage on CARIBVISION and the placements on the Caribbean Airlines’ in-flight video, Guyana’s presence in the regional market is limited, THAG declared.
Notwithstanding this, the Association’s delegation utilised the opportunity to liaise with regional partners with the aim of fostering closer relations with agents packaging tours across the Caribbean. The perception of Guyana by those in attendance at the Trade Show, was significantly shifted, thanks to the airing of the BBC Documentary on Guyana: Lost Land of the Jaguar.”
It was reported that the airing of the documentary alone brought many more people to the Guyana booths and patrons were specifically mentioning it, and asking for more information relating to it.
THAG said travel agents and partners across the region should be included in the strategy for national awareness and marketing programmes on development within the destination. This, in effect will ensure that these stakeholders can better understand the product to impart the necessary details to their customers.
“Participating provided members with the opportunity to distribute substantial amounts of literature and to promote an interest in Hurakabra as well as Guyana. It will remain to be seen whether it brings business,” a representative of Hurakabra River Resort was quoted as saying.
“I felt the show was worthwhile for our company. I think that I will get business out of it, but not a huge amount of business, but we know this is about building relationships,” a representative of Evergreen Adventures added.
According to THAG, members of the delegation generally felt that the event was worth attending, as it allowed them to forge new partnerships through their interactions with travel agents present who have also expressed an interest in working with local partners to sell packages and examine areas of partnering to promote destination Guyana.
In the delegation’s engagement with the members of the Diaspora, the matter of adequate collateral materials on Guyana and its consistent availability in the marketing place was highlighted.
According to THAG, many were pleased to hear of activities they could engage in while on vacation in Guyana. Travel Agents who were visited or contacted by members of the delegation, reported that Guyanese living in Barbados return to Guyana in significant numbers for holidays and frequently when booking with them ask what can they do for entertainment and what is available for visiting the hinterland.
THAG for its part is planning a familiarisation tour for regional partners and important contacts for the promotion of Destination Guyana.
The Association said it remains open to examining initiatives where the public and private sectors could jointly undertake to ensure the marketplace is optimally informed of matters relating to tourism in Guyana.

Latest News

THAG wants more promotion for Guyana in the Caribbean

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 20th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Windies break home Test drought with 201-run win over Bangladesh

President Ali sees sports as ‘centrepiece’ of...

Amazon Warriors trounce Qalandars in opener

Shepherd excited for IPL journey with RCB

Rutherford gets big payday from Gujarat Titans at...

Roach and Seales star as West Indies close in on...

Features/Columnists

Romeo Hunter snares Sub-Junior and Open gold and bronze medals at Load The Kilos Classic

Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all

The ends are what matter, according to Dr. Jagdeo

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

THAG wants more promotion for Guyana in the Caribbean

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 20th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]