Dear Editor,
From the city of Georgetown to Berbice Region 6, one of the major issues affecting tourism based businesses and attractions is that the tourism industry is being held back by inconsistent quality service and lack of professionalism. Many hotels fail to meet international standards, leaving visitors with subpar experiences. While Guyana boasts breathtaking eco-tourism attractions, from pristine rainforests to diverse wildlife, the hospitality sector must improve to fully capitalize on this potential.
A major concern is the absence of structured training programmes for tourism workers. Staff in hotels, restaurants, cafe, pubs, and tour services often lack proper customer service skills, making it difficult to provide the level of hospitality expected by international visitors. To attract and retain more tourists, businesses must invest in training programs that focus on professionalism, service excellence, and cultural awareness.
Additionally, environmental and infrastructure challenges, such as unreliable transportation and limited modern accommodations, poor drainage in different parts of city with garbage building up in certain areas further hinder the industry’s growth. Visitors expect comfortable and well-maintained facilities, yet many establishments fall short. Encouraging investment in hospitality infrastructure and implementing stricter regulations to ensure service quality would greatly enhance the tourism experience.
The government and private sector must work together to elevate Guyana’s tourism industry. By enforcing higher service standards, offering continuous professional development, and improving infrastructure and the environment the country can fully realize its potential to be a leading eco-tourism destination and even a business tourism destination as part of CARICOM and sharing borders with South American nations.
Sincerely,
Blane R Bunbury
Communications Officer – AFC
