GTA, THAG unveil plans to inspire next generation of tourism ambassadors

As Guyana embraces tourism as an essential driver of economic growth, the country is taking significant steps to ensure its youth are well-prepared to play an active role in the rapidly expanding sector.

During the launch of Tourism Awareness Month 2024, held last weekend at the stunning Lake Mainstay on the Essequibo Coast, tourism industry leaders emphasized the importance of engaging school-aged children and young adults in the world of tourism while showcasing a variety of career opportunities and hands-on learning experiences.

Kamrul Baksh, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), announced that one of the key focuses of this year’s awareness efforts would be to make tourism more relatable to the younger generation.

“We’re going to be engaging the schools very actively this year. It’s important that we have young ambassadors in tourism.

“We want our youth to understand that tourism isn’t just about clerical positions; it’s about a wide spectrum of careers—from culinary arts to event management, tour guiding, hospitality, and much more,” Baksh said.

As part of this initiative, the GTA has introduced the Junior Tourism Cook and Showcase, a program designed to inspire school children to learn about local culture, cuisine, and the practical aspects of tourism.

By participating in these activities, students are encouraged to develop a deeper appreciation for their country’s tourism potential and the role they can play in its growth.

“Our goal is to demonstrate the vast career opportunities available, ensuring they see tourism as a viable and exciting career path,” Baksh added.

Meanwhile, Omadele (Dee) George, General Manager of Herdmanston Lodge and President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), also highlighted the importance of connecting the youth with professionals already working in the sector.

“THAG launched the SWIFT initiative, which asks tourism businesses to ‘hold the hand’ of a high school student and bring them into their operations.

This allows students to see first-hand the day-to-day realities of working in tourism,” said George.

“We want tourism to continue to resonate with young people—it’s part of their education, and it’s part of the subjects they’ll encounter in exams like CXC and CAPE. By involving them in real-world tourism operations, we help them build the confidence to write about tourism and even choose it as a subject of interest,” she added.

George emphasized that any tourism business, regardless of size, can make a difference by sharing its knowledge and passion for the industry.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a small lodge or a large hotel; the essence of tourism is the same. When students see how dedicated professionals speak about and perform their work every day, it ignites a passion in them that cannot be replicated in the classroom. It makes a huge difference when they write about tourism in their exams,” George added.

The focus on engaging young people is not just a short-term initiative but part of a long-term strategy to build a sustainable and skilled workforce for Guyana’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

Earlier this year, the GTA and THAG’s Student Work and Internship for Tourism (SWIFT) program saw seventeen students receive certificates for completing internships at several high-profile tourism businesses, including the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel, Wanderlust Adventure Tours, Dagron Tours, Caribbean Inn Inc., Grand Coastal Hotel, and Maggie’s Catering Inc.

The SWIFT program aims to provide practical, on-the-job training for students to develop their skills and gain hands-on experience in the tourism industry. By doing so, it prepares the next generation for careers in a sector that has seen exponential growth in recent years.

“This is a testament to the efforts being made to build a skilled workforce,” said Baksh.

“We’re laying the foundation for a future where Guyana’s tourism industry is not only a key economic pillar but also a source of diverse career opportunities for our young people.”

As the tourism sector continues to evolve and expand, the collaboration between schools, tourism businesses, and industry associations like THAG is crucial to ensuring that young people are well-equipped to contribute to the industry’s future success.