THAG President signals stronger backing for small tourism businesses

Re-elected President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar has pledged to extend much more support to small tourism businesses this year.

Ramkumar said this commitment stems from a support fund re-launched in January, as well as the $11 million and $17 million earned through staple activities.

Ramkumar said the support is necessary because business growth and development stem from good foundation of small businesses.

“Many of the established businesses that we have now started very small and then grew into more. We believe and know that small businesses are an engine of growth, and we want to ensure that we create the opportunity for those small businesses to blossom and prosper, just like the medium-sized businesses,” he said.

He also said the association is committed to ensuring that all members receive the same level of advocacy and support, whether they operate a major hotel or a small eco-lodge.

“If you are the Marriott or you have a small lodge in the interior, we will give the same amount of representation and effort to ensure that whatever challenges you may be having as a business, we help you and provide the support for you to overcome those challenges and blossom,” he said.

The renewed focus comes as Guyana’s tourism sector continues to diversify, creating opportunities for smaller operators to capture a larger share of visitor spending. Ramkumar said the continued success of the recently-concluded Restaurant Week is evidence of growing demand for local tourism experiences.