10,672 vehicles crossed Takutu Bridge from January to May

Jul 01, 2012 News

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Inaugural “Three Nation Meeting” hears…

Traffic between Guyana and Brazil has increased and between January and May of this year, approximately 10,672 vehicles crossed the bridge between the countries, according to Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul.
This revelation was made while Guyana’s representatives met recently in Boa Vista, Brazil, with their Venezuela and Brazil counterparts, at the inaugural “Three Nation Meeting” in order to develop partnerships and integrated tourism packages that can be marketed to visitors.
Dr. Gopaul, who represented Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Irfaan Ali, stressed on the importance of cooperation among the member states, if the countries are to be successfully promoted as destinations for foreign markets.
Guyana was represented by a delegation of 40 participants from the Public and Private Sector, tourism officials, and the local aviation and business sector.
The contingent was led by Dr. Gopaul and included THAG’s President Daniel Gajie, Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, Ms. Carol Primo, Kit Nascimento, Colin Edwards, THAG Director, Treina Butts and representatives from the Guyana Tourism Authority.
Minister Gopaul noted that over the years Guyana has marketed itself as the “Gateway to the Amazon”, and the initiative will create the opportunity for the membership to understand the regulatory framework within the destinations , that will allow for integrated packaging.
“The Government of Guyana views this initiative as a timely one, as over the years, trade, and travel, tourism and investment opportunities among the three countries have increased .In this regard it has become impetrative that the three nations collaborate to formulate a programme that will see the strengthening of ties among the countries,” he underscored.
In addition, Minister Gopaul pointed to the fact that Guyana shares a dual identity, as part of the Caribbean and as part of the South American States, and as a result, is even more committed to reinforcing the relationship with her South American neighbours.
The Minister said too that collaboration , communication and cooperation among  the three nations will  result in the improvement  of trade  and tourism linkages among the countries; it will also address several issues integral to the success of the partnership, including accessibility, security and customs procedures, and tourism activities within the indigenous communities of the three countries.
Alluding to efforts already made in this regard, he explained that Guyana shares major ties, being a member of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), and already, the country has partnered with Brazil and Suriname to launch the Tourism Circuit Manual of the Amazon Tourism Trail.
The formulation of the manual resulted directly from the involvement of ACTO’s move to develop integrated tourism for the Amazon region, and focuses on Guyana, Suriname and Brazil.
He continued: “The government of Guyana intends to also promote this integration and cooperation with other neighbouring countries, including Venezuela.”
“When these key strategic areas are addressed, opportunities for the expansion in investment, transportation (Air lift), tour operations and employment will materialize in all three nations, therefore the meeting will serve as a stimulus for the integration and the expansion of  Tourism , Trade and Economic development within the countries,” he added.
In closing, the Minister lauded the Boa Vista, Roraima Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), the government of Guyana and the state of Roraima, for hosting the inaugural tourism meeting of the three nations, and pledged that the Guyana Government is even more committed to public/private partnership to develop and enhance the country’s tourism sector.
Meanwhile, the Vice Governor of Roraima, Chico Rodrigues, reminded that the identities of the three territories are unique and when packaged will offer an equally unique and distinct product to tourists.
“The integration of our diverse tourism product will allow for job creation and the growth of our economies.”
He also revealed that Brazil’s tourism sector recorded a 6% growth annually compared to the average global rate of 3%.
As a consequence, Rodrigues reiterated the importance of the discussions among the three countries as they strive to attract tourists to their destinations. In this regard, he pointed to the importance of learning the languages of each of the participating countries – English, Spanish and Portuguese – for integration to become a reality.
“This event starts the process and integration, it is very important if we want to show the world the beauty of our countries, and we are calling on the Presidents to support this,” Rodrigues stated.
In her remarks, the representative from the Tourism Board in Bolivar, Venezuela, Subrina Sufrina, pointed to the agreement of free movement of people that already exists between her country and Brazil.
She explained that Bolivar is one of the biggest states in Venezuela, 240,000 sq. km, and has much to offer by way of integration.
Sufrina also lauded the organizers and expressed the hope that ties with Guyana will also be strengthened.
Immediately following the opening session, there were several panel discussions on safety and security issues, customs and immigration requirements, regulation for vehicles and tourists.
There was also a very important segment on the benefits and challenges of community-based tourism in indigenous communities, and the integration of this aspect in o the overall plan to promote and market the three destinations.
During the closing session at the end of the day, THAG’s Daniel Gajie noted that the event is just the first step in the way forward.
“This has been a phenomenal day and it was as a result of many years of planning. We are certain that the linkages made here will be cemented by our second meeting.”

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