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Tourism Minister unveils plans for 2014
Minister of Tourism Irfaan Ali is aiming for tourism to be the country’s leading sector in 2014.
On Wednesday evening, hours after announcing that a Panamanian Airline will become operational here from July, Ali’s Ministry hosted a cocktail reception at Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown, where he unveiled this year’s plans.
The Minister said that soon enough, there will be the launch of a Guyana Gold Festival, which he said would be an all inclusive four-day package.
Local artiste, Dave Martins will be spearheading a Tourism Ambassadorial Programme for Guyana
Ali said that this year will also see the establishment of a Tourism Ambassadorial Programme, which will be spearheaded by local musical icon, Dave Martins.
He mentioned plans to host a Guyana Drive, where tourists will be afforded the opportunity to drive through key communities such as Orealla.
Tourism stakeholders who attended the function became especially excited when Ali announced his intention to host a ‘Rum, Rhythm and Food Festival.’
The Minister said too that he wants to expand on the Yachting Industry, noting that an international investor will be coming to invest in the construction of a world class boat yard and docking facility.
He said too that an all inclusive package is being looked at for persons wanting to come to Guyana for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) during this, and the coming years.
Ali opined that there should be some changes made to Guyana’s marriage laws in order to facilitate marriage tourism.
“The 14 days it takes to register a marriage should be changed to two days,” Ali explained, reflecting that during last year, nine weddings alone attracted over 200 overseas guests each.
“This is a market waiting to be tapped into,” he emphasized.
Minister Ali noted that every effort will be made in order to capitalize on the rapidly approaching Football World Cup, which is to be held in neighbouring Brazil.
Ali also reminded that Guyana has been listed among the top 21 must see destinations in 2014 by the iconic National Geographic Traveler magazine. He said that another group from the National Geographic franchise will be in Guyana in a few months time, to film yet another series for ‘River Monsters;’ a programme detailing deadly giant sea creatures.
In addition to having a grand wedding exposition, Ali said that 2014 will be the year that a number of heritage sites are restored. The obviously contented Minister said that patrons have been calling for a repeat of 2013’s ‘Romancing the Fort,’ a dinner hosted under the night sky at Fort Island.
Several heritage sites are set to be restored this year.
Irfaan Ali said that the hosting of these and other unique events is being done with the aim of developing a national calendar of events, which he is confident, will be anticipated by many.
Also attending the reception was President Donald Ramotar who utilized the forum to encourage entrepreneurs to invest in the local Tourism Sector, which he said contributes significantly to Guyana’s development.
Ramotar emphasized that this is an exciting time for the industry. He said that both Ali and the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh have been put in charge of developing and presenting affordable proposals aimed at the rapid growth of Tourism in Guyana.
The President told the gathering too that tourism is being viewed from a regional perspective, and that the government has been plugging money into the development of infrastructural initiatives in an effort to attract more overseas visitors.
Ramotar said that both the Guyana National Stadium and the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) are being booked for the hosting of more major international events, attracting thousands of people.
The President was sure to point out the Marriot Hotel, which he said would be opened in August, and will be the place to offer five-star accommodation, noting that the facilities would be of high quality.
He said too that an expanded Cheddi Jagan International Airport will see Guyana poised to be a major hub for South America.
During the reception, a few tourism stakeholders made brief remarks.
They included Sales Manager of the Panamanian, Copa Airlines, Guillermo Gomez; Peter Russell, a CPL representative; Kit Nacimento, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG); Mahendra Boodhoo of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club and Harrynand Persaud, who spoke on behalf of King’s Jewellery World, the entity spearheading the annual International Duck Curry Competition.
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