Latest update January 18th, 2025 7:00 AM
Budget holds more incentives, concessions for tourism investment – Minister Ali
Individuals and companies interested in investing in the tourism sector, either to erect an entertainment facility or provide transportation services, stand to benefit from additional incentives and concessions this year.
Tourism Minister and PPP Member of Parliament, Irfaan Ali made this announcement to the National Assembly, on Tuesday, during his Budget 2013 Debate presentation, where he painted a picture of an optimistic future for
PPP Member of Parliament – Irfaan Ali
the country’s emerging tourism sector.
He related that an Invest Guyana magazine will be prepared to provide a guide to those interested in doing business here. Additional research will be conducted on various aspects of the industry including trends, visitor flows, visitor expenditure, length of stay, and source markets. The findings will be shared with the private sector stakeholders that play an integral role in the industry.
Ali informed the Members of Parliament that his Ministry will put procedures and systems in place to facilitate and accelerate tourism development and expansion. He noted, however, that for the industry to grow, the necessary infrastructure such as transportation networks, energy, entertainment complexes, and Information, Communication and Technology should be available.
According to the Minister, his Ministry’s main agenda is to deliver Guyana as a destination that is a better place for a vacation, to invest, to do business, get a job, to retire and earn a living, for everyone.
In the area of job creation, even at the Ministry level, additional specialist staff will be recruited in the areas of Social Media, Marketing, Proposal/ Grant Writing, Web Development, Researchers, and Product Development Specialists.
Cognizant that skills development and training are essential in the sector, in the absence of a hospitality institute, Ali said that a skills development programme is being coordinated in a four-pronged strategy.
He related that Guyana’s tourism brand is receiving more international attention with the country being positioned as a top eco- and sustainable tourism destination.
“Our Government is actively driving the establishment of a demand-led, private sector-driven economy, and in turn creating employment opportunities for the people of our country,” Ali said.
It was noted that this year the Guyana Tourism Authority will focus on providing support to existing and emerging tourism businesses in accessing new and dynamic markets. There is strategic focus on North America, Caribbean South America and the BRICS countries.
The Minister noted that already, the first quarter of this year has recorded a number of accomplishments, including billions of dollars in international public relations; Raw TV is in Guyana filming an entire season of Gold Rush for Discovery Channel; and arrivals have increased by one percent despite exit of EasyJet and RedJet.
He emphasized that Government is confident that this year Guyana will record over 20 percent increase in arrivals because for the first time all entries into the country through official border crossings and ports of entry will be registered.
It was noted that the Diaspora accounts for the largest share of visitors. They play a critical role for tourism development and are the largest and most accessible target market.
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