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Best ecotourism destination
It is worth saying out loud: Guyana is the best ecotourism destination in the world. That means number one; it means globally not regionally, or some limited geographical context. It is public, and that assessment came from some heavy hitters in that field.
The Awards Jury lauded Guyana in the run-up and aftermath of the final decision for, “quality of life based on sound education and social protection, low carbon resilient development, green and decent jobs, economic opportunities, individual equality, justice, and political empowerment.”
Though this may raise more than a few skeptical eyebrows in some quarters locally, there is some foundation and limited truth to the encomia.
In addition, tribute was paid to the keen interest and commitment at sustaining “Guyana’s ecosystems and indigenous traditions.” This is on more solid footing, as both hold up to scrutiny.
Now, after a long time, citizens in this country have something to cheer about; to feel good about and be proud about, since such accolades and occasions are increasingly rarer these days. A great opening and grand opportunity is presented on which to capitalize through some very concrete next steps.
It starts with a readiness and commitment to develop the sector in terms of scale, strategic visions, and objectives. The people responsible for the development and expansion of this sector have to think big, through a big programme that is about big numbers of capital, accommodations and supporting structures, and visiting people.
This calls for a number of measures, which are expanded upon in no particular order in an attempt to flesh out those ingredients that can carry to several tiers upwards from where things are now. Go-Invest should earmark some billions to take forward.
From attractive glossy marketing before the audiences that count to airport process to amenities to standards, these have to be functioning in a modern manner and at a high degree. It would not help if the hospitality, courtesies, and character of customer-facing hosts, and ground transportation to in-transit destinations in the city are not of an impeccable order. That’s a start.
There has to be more than those barebones utilitarian airstrips out there in the heart of ecotourism territory. That would not do; a supporting sprawl of facilities and people must be in place. Otherwise, that best in the world award would collapse more quickly than a lit candle in a hurricane.
From now on, ecotourism has to take wings and soar; no more safe, stodgy, pedestrian moves. It has to take its rightful place as a viable sector in the Guyanese economy; it must cease to being a nice-to-have; or to be content with operating as possessing potential.
Potential has to become reality, and the hour is now. One and all have to challenge themselves to design, deliver, and operate a program that makes the nation proud and justifies that superlative tag.
What else to do? How to leverage more? While oil monopolizes present thinking about future potential; there is nothing yet in terms of revenues coming in or benefits shared with citizens. It is that proverbial bird in the bush.
And though gold has been a crucial contributor in carrying the country, ecotourism offers the opportunity to diversify with some of the biggest bangs being jobs, and imprinting this country on the ecotourist map as a destination of choice. This arrives with a price tag; the locals must get serious about this.
Money has to be spent to get more money. Time to stop talking; time to start doing. Now!
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