Tour operators and travel writers at the World Travel Market (WTM) expressed a high level of interest in Guyana as a tourist destination at a recent travel and trade show held in London.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, a large number of new and reputable high-end tour companies told the Guyana Tourism Association (GTA) that they are looking for unique, off-the-beaten path, pristine destinations such as Guyana. The fact that Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America also gives it a competitive advantage in the industry. “Operators are keen to bring their clients to a destination which offers numerous niche opportunities,” the release added.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad said he was very impressed by the overwhelming demand and interest in Guyana. Prashad attended two high-level tourism ministers meetings at the WTM and a special Commonwealth Tourism Ministers Meeting at Marlborough House where the opportunities and challenges impacting tourism were discussed. Prashad also met the new Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Harold Lovell and a number of tourism officials from CTO member countries. He also met officials from China and Hong Kong and was interviewed by the international media including the BBC and CTO.
Prashad told the WTM that Guyana has an intact rainforest, amazing wildlife, fabulous nature, adventure and eco destinations. Also, he listed the Rockstone Fish Festival, the Rupununi Rodeo, the Pakaraima Mountain Safari, Mashramani and an International Eco-Tourism Conference as the activities for Destination Amazonia Year 2009. The minister in association with Arif Ali, also re-launched the 2nd edition of the Guyana coffee table publication printed by Hansib Publications in the Guyana booth.
Several opportunities have now arisen from Guyana’s participation at the WTM including the filming of a television series in December by UK-based Icon Films. Also several South American countries expressed an interest in English Language training in Guyana.
Wilderness Explorers, which also attended the event, said it has since seen a huge demand for travel to Guyana and an increase in the number of new tour operators wanting to sell and promote the country.
The GTA said the WTM show has contributed significantly to destination awareness, image and branding and has resulted in an expanding travel distribution network/ sales channel particularly in the UK and Europe. Guyana will be following up with a post WTM Road show in February/March 2009 which will focus on the travel and trade, the release said. The trade show provided the platform for Guyana to meet, network and negotiate with over 47,000 business professionals including tour operators, travel agents, the media, travel writers, film makers, tourist boards, conservation groups, universities and service providers. It also provided Guyana with the opportunity to learn about new trends, challenges facing the industry and a chance to investigate the competition.
GINA said GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh and Evergreen Adventures also attended the event.
