The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce in collaboration with General Executive Management Services (GEMS) Inc yesterday launched its fifth edition of “Guyana Where and What” tourist guide.
The event was held in the boardroom of the Ministry of Tourism on South Road Georgetown.
Speaking at the launching, acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali said that it will enhance the tourism sector by providing much needed information to Guyanese and tourists, as they can now have access to a listing of locations of interest in Guyana. He added that the publication will bring about awareness of what the country has to offer and of the different local culture and celebrations.
The 136-page pocket book tour guide features Guyana’s eco-destinations, a number of site seeing places, restaurants, night clubs, an extensive map of the capital city, festivals of Guyana among other things. “Information is perhaps the most critical ingredient in any endeavour or project,” the minister said. He stressed that the guide will play a critical role in ensuring that Guyana is promoted, products are enhanced and information is available to Guyanese and tourists.
Ali highlighted that in 2012 the ministry will work to enhance the cultural and heritage tourism package. He added that a package will be developed with the private sector to attract Guyanese abroad to come home and rediscover the experience of Phagwah.
Stabroek News was told that the ministry is working with the private sector to launch, later in the year, a “Rediscover home campaign’ whereby Guyanese can come back to their cherished homeland and rediscover memorable experiences.
Publisher of the pocket book, Gem Madhoo-Nascimento and editor Kit Nascimento said the book is convenient and is a reference that can be used to access information.
They highlighted that the number of publications have increased over the years from 15,000 copies to 20,000. “Once we have the support from the ministry… we will continue with the support of the book,” they said, while adding that more sponsorship would see increased distribution.
The Nascimentos ex-pressed their gratitude to writers of the edition such as Ameena Gafoor, David Singh and Dave Martins.
