Tourism sector honours 11

The Ministry of Tourism/ Guyana Tourism Authority honoured 11 stakeholders in the tourism sector for their contributions in promoting tourism in Guyana, at its sixth annual Excellence Awards Ceremony on Wednesday.

In his address, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the functions of president, noted that tourism is a vital sector that holds great promise for Guyana’s economy. It continues to record tremendous growth, he said, adding that marketing by the 11 honorees has contributed to that.

“We can see that efforts to grow the industry are bearing fruit,” he said, noting that government is aware that there are several challenges that must be addressed to further add to the sector. Hinds noted that government continues to improve infrastructure to support tourism including expanding the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, building of the Marriott Hotel and it is also seeking to resolve issues regarding reliable air services. Littering is also a challenge that must be overcome, starting with behaviour change, he said.

Recipients of the annual Excellence in Tourism Awards display their plaques after the ceremony. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds is pictured second from left in the front row.

According to Hinds, this is a significant time in the sector’s history when several promotions have been launched including the Re-Discover Home initiative. “Tourism is taking off after a long gestation period,” he said.  On this note he commended the management of the Pegasus Hotel on upgrading its facilities and encouraged stakeholders to capitalise on opportunities to partner as well as compete.

Hinds also heaped praise on acting Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Irfaan Ali for his management of the sector. Other key partners in the sector  who made addresses were Executive member of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Kit Nascimento and Managing Director of the Roraima Group of Companies, Captain Gerald Gouveia who is also a GTA board member.

Awards were presented to “tourism pioneers” the Correia Group of Companies for tourism; Conservation International for community-based tourism; Blue Paw Promotion for Destination Guyana while the Pillar of the Tourism Industry Award was given to Lennox John, Best Marketing Campaigns, Wilderness Explorers; tourism recognition posthumously, Richard Ousman of Wonderland Tours; Tour Guide of the Year, Paul Waldron; Tourism Entrepreneur, Colin Edwards; Best Tourism Ambassador, John ‘Slingshot’ Drepaul; Most Outstanding Community Tourism Project, Aranaputa Processors Friendly Society and Tourism Recognition for Best Supporting Hotel, the Princess Hotel.

A cocktail reception was held after the award ceremony.