Latest update August 5th, 2026 1:26 AM
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First impressions
Dear Editor,
First impressions are vital; they shape how people perceive and remember a country, which in turn drives tourism revenue and foreign investment. I recently spoke with a first-time visitor to Guyana whose initial experience was deeply concerning.
He shared several issues regarding his arrival at the airport. First, the walk from the plane to immigration and customs was excessively long, which he described as the worst he has experienced globally. Furthermore, there was a total lack of assistance for the elderly or disabled, with no wheelchairs available. He even had to assist an elderly passenger with her baggage himself. Upon finally reaching the immigration area, only two officers were working, resulting in significant delays.
The problems continued outside the airport. Despite staying at a hotel only ten minutes away, he was overcharged by a taxi driver. After initially agreeing on a US$50 fare, the driver demanded US$150 upon arrival. Additionally, there was no hotel shuttle available despite his reservation.
A clean, organised, and efficient entry process encourages tourists and expatriates to return and spend money. Research consistently shows that poor first impressions can cost countries billions in lost revenue. We must address these systemic issues to ensure Guyana remains a welcoming and competitive destination.
Yours truly,
Daniel Singh
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