The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has announced that it has given conditional approval to Baganara Island Resort, Hurakabra River Resort, Rock View Lodge, Waikin Ranch and Elite Kayaking & Nature Tours to resume their operations, including the hosting of travellers at their properties.
In a news release on Friday, the GTA said four other businesses are being inspected this weekend and are expected, based on a desk review of their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to receive approval early in the new week.
It noted that conditional approval is tied to the National COVID-19 measures and GTA’s recommended hygiene and sanitation protocols.
The GTA noted that there is a two-step process for tourism businesses to reopen. The first step entails submission of the business’s written SOPs to the GTA for a desk review. The next step involves on-site inspection to verify the implementation of the SOPs and approval by the GTA.
The GTA said domestic and international travellers are recommended to use only approved tourism businesses to book and plan their tour activities. It also noted that lodges have shared that there is strong interest by domestic travellers to venture out to experience nature, especially after being confined to their homes for several months. “As tourism businesses receive the conditional approval for reopening, the GTA will roll out a marketing campaign to drive the demand and bookings so businesses that have been closed for more than eight months can start to generate revenue and re-employ staff who were affected by the pandemic and the lockdowns,” GTA Director Carla James was quoted as saying.
Under the latest COVID-19 emergency measures, the GTA has now been listed as an essential service and is responsible for monitoring the businesses permitted to reopen. Additionally, those operators are responsible for ensuring that their staff and clients comply with the health and safety protocols issued by GTA and the Ministry of Health. The measures state that if any fail to comply with the required protocols the Minister of Health may close the operation of the business or prohibit activities.
