Georgetown: Scores of small hotel owners from across Guyana met with Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali, members of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and members of the Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) to discuss marketing strategies to propel the industry forward.
Also present at the recent engagement at the Guyana International Conference (GICC) were representatives from Liat and Suriname Airways.
According to Minister Ali, government has recognized the potential of the Tourism Sector and will continue to aggressively pursue policies and will work with small establishments that play a key role as the tourism product is advanced.
“We need to work on a common platform to remain competitive; we need to design a common programme,” he stressed.
In an effort to achieve cohesiveness, Ali proposed that small hotels join together under one “umbrella” to share resources, market their products on a common website; thereby reducing cost and maintaining a key marketing advantage and build services around their hotels to ensure they generate revenue in a sustainable manner.
While he acknowledged that the issue of airlift remains a challenge, the Tourism Minister alluded to the collaboration between Liat, Suriname Airways and the small hotel establishments in packaging their products.
He explained, “It is about creating linkages and we need to examine how the government can assist in launching a marketing plan to help drive traffic to the destination. The time has come to make our ideas work and to formulate a plan for the small hotels.”
Key among the proposals for advancing and promoting their products, the Honourable Minister stressed on the importance of small hotels working along with THAG to identify gaps and to design the way forward.
Subsequent to the formal opening session, those in attendance were encouraged to engage in frank discussions and to express their concerns to the panel; many used the opportunity to address the issue of conformity to the standards and regulations, as set by the Guyana Tourism Authority.
In this regard, Minister Ali urged that all recognize the “seriousness of standards” and agreed on the formulation of a plan that will assist the small establishments, to fill the gaps and to achieve conformity.
Those making valuable contributions and suggestions to discussion included Mr. Kit Nascimento and Captain Gerald Gouveia, who both agreed that the Private Sector companies should “join” with THAG and that THAG in turn, should reactivate their sub – committees.
Benefits of Collaboration
Both representatives from Suriname Airways and Liat confirmed their willingness to partner with the small hotels and to market the businesses and the destination on their respective websites, publications etc.
“This needs to be done in conjunction with all stakeholders …we need to create awareness by involving all the partners,” Liat’s Sales Manager (Guyana and Curacao) Ms. Shevonne Semple explained.
Meanwhile, Mr. Rudi Westerborg, Suriname Airways Country Manager, acknowledged that the “time has come for change in the industry” and pledged that the Airline has every intention of staying in the Guyana market.
He said, “Suriname Airways is willing to cooperate. We know it is impossible without the contribution of the airlines.”
Additionally, Mr. Westerborg suggested developing a marketing programme for the off peak periods, to bring in operators to see and experience the product first hand.
In closing, Minister Ali assured those gathering that the meeting was just the first step in the journey towards developing a “common action plan” and common vision for building the tourism industry.
He reminded too of President Donald Ramotar’s pledge to continue developing and promoting the tourism sector in Guyana.
“There has never been so much focus on tourism, the message is trickling down and persons are happy with the development already taking place,” Ali stated.
The Minister reminded of the marketing strategies currently underway and revealed new plans for marketing the destination in Barbados, Canada and the United States.
He said “We want to assure you that we are going to work with you as we recognize that small hotels can play an important role in doing business.”
Presentations were also made by Mr. Edlon Bremner, retired Hotel General Manager from Jamaica and Ms. Sanchia Persaud from the Tourism Ministry.
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