Amid the massive reshaping of the tourism industry, the government is focused on finding ways to promote the rich culture of Guyanese as part of the tourist experiences offered.
In so doing, for Tourism Awareness Month this year, the history of Guyanese peoples will be on display at the Walter Roth Museum located on Main Street, Georgetown and indigenous communities that rely on tourism will offer special tour deals.
During the official launch of the month’s activities at the Museum of Anthropology, Kamrul Baksh, the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority said in keeping with the theme: “Cultural Tapestry: Investing in our people, enriching our heritage”, local tourism agencies will highlight the indigenous culture using new initiatives – the ‘Discover Guyana Passport’ and the ‘Guyana Escapes 2023’.
The Discover Guyana Passport acts as a membership card for tourists to enter indigenous villages that have exciting tourist experiences to offer. This passport is being launched over the next five days. Meanwhile, the Guyana Tourism and Hospitality Association (THAG)’s initiative promotes Guyana’s eco-lodges and resorts by offering support needed to create promotional content and push marketing and promotional campaigns.
“We have the adopted attraction initiative, which basically is inviting members of civil society to come on board to one: appreciate the sites that we have the many attractions that we have, and to adopt as the titles is a particular space or attraction.
“What it does is that it gives you forty different packages that have been coined by 17 to 18 operators that takes you to explore nine different administrative regions,” Baksh explained.
In addition, it offers heavily discounted packages and also allows persons who travel to become eligible to earn at least $100,000 in tour value that can be claimed when touring in the next year.
The Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond said authentic experiences are vital for tourism and she pointed out that Guyana has deep rooted history and therefore must be promoted to attract visitors.
“I envision more events and locations where tourists can enjoy the tassa or African drums or experience our compelling array of dances.
“It is now customary in leading tourism destinations to utilize culture as a main facet of tourism promotion, particularly at ports of entry. The point I’m making is that there is a link between our cultural tourism or culture-healthy heritage and tourism. Therefore going forward, we can expect to see a wider integration of culture within our tourism trust,” the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce said.
The government has invested heavily in the tourism sector but according to the subject minister, support from the private sector is necessary. During the ceremony, the minister pitched the idea of the private sector creating performing shows similar to those in Los Vegas utilizing the local talent here. She said the hotels can have performance nights when people get to attend shows with strictly local performers representing Guyana’s rich culture.
“I will encourage the private sector to monetize this talent, that it shouldn’t be left to this government alone to give these talented young people and this just a fraction of who they are because you see how long the program was,” Minister Walrond said.
Toshao Sonia Latchman said these initiatives are great for promoting the diverse cultures of the Guyanese people.
“Tourism initiatives support local livelihood, provide employment opportunities and empower indigenous people to showcase our traditions.
“This not only enhances the economic well-being of our communities but also strengthens our identity and pride in our cultural heritage. These efforts have led to increased employment opportunities within the villages contributing to a rise in income and improved standard of living for our Amerindian peoples,” Toshao Latchman said.
There are more than 35 events spanning November planned for Tourism Awareness Month inclusive of the highly anticipated Guyana Rum Festival and South Rupununi Safari.
