President Ali says gov’t upbeat on investments, tourism sector

Georgetown: President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, said his Government is “not going to wait” and will be taking an aggressive approach when it comes to investment in the country’s development, including in the tourism sector. 

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali

“I have already asked the Minister of Business to publish an Expression of Interest for new hotels…I have asked for the publication of interest for water parks, theme parks, investment in the tourism sector, in resorts and lodges,” he said, during a recent interview with the News Room.

President Ali said the Government plans to “move ahead with all the transformational projects”, even as he expressed his desire to see the local Private Sector involved in this process. 

“Part of local content does not only have to do with oil and gas but has a lot to do with involvement in these transformative projects,” the President said.

During his presentation of Budget 2020, Minister of Public Works Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill said, “with Government’s support measures, such as reversal of VAT [value-added tax]on hinterland travel and special incentives for new hotels and businesses, the sector will rebound stronger than ever to make Guyana a top sustainable tourism destination.”

He outlined the Government’s plan to implement policies to strengthen and grow the workforce to cater to the influx of visitors expected as a result of focused marketing and the emergence of the oil and gas sector.

“As the industry rebounds from COVID-19 and the demand for travel returns, the Government of Guyana will focus on attracting large-scale tourism investments, such as world-class hotels, to further expand job opportunities,” Minister Edghill said.