Dear Editor
I normally would not respond to commentaries, because it would seem a useless exercise, but I am compelled to respond to an article in Kaieteur News, Sunday, Oct 12, because it seems so far removed from the truth, and it would seem not a lot of effort was made to contact others in the industry to get a more balanced view.
Small operators
I happen to be a small operator, I now run a 17-room resort with approximately 15 staff, we started with 5 rooms and I run a tour operation with 4 staff, I am assuming that qualifies me as a small operator. Certainly internationally, I am considered a small operator. I am one that does not feel cheated by THAG. In order to benefit from being a member of THAG you have to get involved; what you put in is what you get out; you learn from others who have more experience than you, and you network with others in the industry.
This is an institution that votes in its own membership to take the mantle of leadership for the period of one year at a time. If the small operators felt cheated in any way, they have the ability to change the leadership.
Whilst I don’t profess to know everything about the industry, I ensured that I have put myself into a learning curve. I have created a strategy for our business and have set goals. I may not fully understand the way that the international market operates or how to best target the Diaspora, but I know that THAG has provided me with opportunities to make business contacts; through THAG I have been able to network with local like minded individuals like myself and also with regional and international organizations.
Through participation at trade fairs, which both THAG and the Government fund, I am able to develop more contacts that have brought business to me. I have listened to consultants that THAG has provided through various aid projects, that have critiqued our product and I made changes to my product to cater for the market that I am after. Over 90% of the industry is made up of small operators, with limited funds and low occupancies, let’s not fool ourselves.
Of course the government and the association could do more to help, in other countries the Government body is also not as effective as it could be, but we as a private sector have a voice and instead of walking away make yourself heard.
Explore Guyana Magazine
In relation to Explore Guyana Magazine, as a person who has been involved in THAG as well as the GTA and in some years the production of the magazine, THAG has never been against the GTA producing their own set of marketing materials, in fact we welcome the support, and it is only beneficial to the industry.
For years, there are some that have pushed the agenda at the GTA board level, of an independent magazine, which mirrors what THAG has been doing for over 12 years. The board of the GTA (not) THAG has always said no – A board decision was made by the board that we would not want to see a competing product we want to see complementary materials. I no longer sit on the board, so I can’t further comment on the currents board’s position.
THAG produces 25,000 magazines, the issue for 2009 will now be 30,000 magazines, in the early days we were approximately 10,000 copies. This magazine is and has always been fully funded by advertising, and in the past years the Government has always supported the magazine with the provision of an advertisement, like every other advertiser, except for the 2009 issue which is about to be launched.
The GTA had in the past purchased an additional set of magazines outside of THAG’s initiative, I think for two years they purchased an additional 20,000 copies each time, they did not purchase for the 2008 edition nor are they supporting the 2009 edition.
They dealt directly with the producer of the magazine with THAG’s knowledge and paid as I understand at cost for those extra sets. It is certainly cheaper than they can produce a new magazine. THAG has not received any financial benefit from the extra copies. The mutual benefit is a wider distribution which we are supportive and grateful for.
What THAG and its members have been saying all along is that “we have that covered”, it represents the industry, and I don’t think the Government or the Private Sector could complain about the general representation of the industry, whilst still keeping in mind, what the actual use of the magazine is for.
What I think THAG wants to see is that the Government would produce materials that complement the industry, and the products that are being sold and that we are not competing for the same advertising dollar for a similar product. If they also want to earn money the same way (which has been suggested in the past) there are many other ways achieve this. We have made many suggestions over the years that have fallen on deaf ears. Unfortunately, the board of the GTA has been made ineffective and decisions are being made that bypass the board level.
In my view, I don’t see a problem with new associations, there are a number of them already, North Rupununi Tourism Association, there is one in Berbice as well as one in Bartica. I believe they all suffer with the same ills. Few people wish to volunteer their services for the betterment of the industry and few wish to pay the right value for participation. In other countries, Government gives the private sector subventions to help bolster their efforts; THAG never has received such benefits. This is a problem that plagues all organizations, and not just in Guyana.
Summary
I am not looking for the government to help me run my business; I would like them to help to provide a better environment for me to do business. Improved road access, improved air access, put minimum standards in place through the regulations, promote Guyana overseas on a broader level. Don’t show biases, when you have local initiatives, let us all have the opportunities to participate.
I see the Government’s role as policy makers, national tourism marketing, product development (e.g. working with US aid evolving birding, evolving the big generic products, like Kaieteur or Fort Island etc. products that anyone in the industry can tap into), product standards (licensing) research and information and statistics and providing an enabling environment.
I see THAG’s role as fostering professionalism and quality service in the industry through training etc, promoting business for its members through marketing activities (be a conduit), representing member interests, establishing minimum standards in the industry, ensuring best practices, collaborating with government to influence changes in policies.
I think what hurts us over the long term, is that the public and private sectors have not agreed to what is the best course of action and we need to get together in a more meaningful way. We still need each other to move the product forward.
Yours faithfully,
Nicole Correia
Evergreen Adventures Inc
Small Operator
