Interior lodges, tour companies can re-open 24/7 under new COVID-19 order

The local tourism industry is being allowed to re-open interior lodges and resorts under the new gazetted COVID-19 measures released on Monday.

Hotels, interior lodges and resorts and tour companies are now allowed to operate 24/7 as tourism is now listed under essential services. But their operation will have to be in accordance with COVID-19 health guidelines as approved by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

The 10:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew remains in effect from December 01 to December 31.

Days before this announcement, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar called on the government to give the sector a chance to operate.

All resorts, hotels and other tourist attraction will only be allowed to operate under strict COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Guyana Tourism Authority “in order to minimize the risk and spread of the coronavirus when hosting clients,” the Order stated.

Further, operators of any service will be responsible for ensuring that their staff and clients comply with the guidelines.

The Guyana Tourism Authority will be responsible for enforcing and implementing the guidelines and if anyone fails to comply “the Minister of Health may close the operation of that business or prohibit any activity.”

Hundreds employed with the sector have either lost jobs or being laid off due to the pandemic. The tourism industry around the world is one of the hardest hit due to the pandemic.