Head of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar says sports can be a catalyst for Guyana’s tourism sector development.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Sports Commission building, Homestretch Avenue, where Guyana was announced as maiden hosts of the Caribbean Junior Cycling Championships, Ramkumar said it was such activities that gave Guyana the opportunity to take centre stage.
The THAG head explained that there is evidence around the world that show the value of sport tourism and what it can do for a country.
“On sports tourism and what it can do, many countries around the world have invested heavily in sports tourism and sport facilities, you look at what Abu Dhabi has done, they built a Ferrari world in a dessert and it was done for sport tourism to get people attracted to that destination.”
Ramkumar said Guyana is the new hot destination after being declared the number one eco-tourism destination in the world.
“Guyana is the new hot destination, people want to come here so what we need to do is to ensure when people come, whatever is the purpose of their visit they meet a friendly and hospitable country, a destination that is open for tourism, business, sports, whatever is your reason for travel,” he said.
The THAG boss gave the example of the potential of Bartica, which is set to host the championships on August 10-11, noting the vast number of islands for river tours which are laced with beaches, waterfalls, resorts and natural beauty.
Ramkumar expressed his anticipation for future collaboration with the Director of Sport and Bartica for these sort of activities.
“We would like to collaborate with people in sporting authorities, especially the people in cycling with the Director of Sport and Sport Commission, Bartica and its Mayor, Bartica is actually a hub, a number of tour operation in Bartica so we see that as critical to support tourism…you have a number of resorts and falls and so much things that can be had in that location,” Ramkumar said.
