President – Gov’t will work aggressively to improve tourism sector

President Irfaan Ali assured tourism stakeholders that his Government would continue to work
aggressively to improve the tourism sector and create unique experiences that will attract people
from all parts of the world.
Ali made this disclosure during the launch of the 23rd edition of Explore Guyana magazine at the
Cara Lodge Hotel this evening. He reiterated to stakeholders that they have “in this Government
and in this President, a true partner because I believe strongly in what we have. I believe very
strongly in what we have to offer”. Ali noted that his Government will make the necessary
investments to help improve Guyana’s competitiveness, to offer more incentives. He stressed
that they will bolster expansion plans and to find ways in which there can be a meaningful
reduction to the costs for movement to and from the hinterland and riverain communities.
President Ali noted that while the Government is investing heavily in the country’s
infrastructural development, there is also a need for a partnership approach to propel the sector
forward. Ali disclosed that these investments are geared towards the creation of unique
experiences. Ali highlighted that the Government is exploring the option of creating a “one-of-a-
kind” safari/drive-through zoo experience “somewhere close to the bulk of the population”. “So
we’re thinking of how we can create, in its natural environment, a one-of-a-kind zoo, a drive-
through zoo that people from all across the Caribbean, South America can say this is a one-of-a-
kind, unique experience we want to be part of and that is something that we are looking at, to see
how it can be created,” Ali said. The president noted that in addition to that, he said that there is
a very elaborate enhancement plan for the existing zoo and botanical gardens that will start soon.
THE FUTURE IS TOURISM
The head of state reiterated that tourism and agriculture will be the country’s strongest and most
sustainable sectors in the future. “We have to invest in these sectors not only physically but on
the human resource capacity and ensure that we build the competitiveness of the sector,” he said.
President Ali praised the reach of the magazine and the enhanced digital version.  He also spoke
of the need to improve the ICT sector in Guyana, which will revolutionise the country’s
competitiveness and its ability to be an effective player in the global market.
BALANCING COVID
He said that while the sector is recovering from a difficult two years caused by the COVID-19
pandemic, the President said that there is reason to celebrate as the multi-stakeholder approach
has been effective. “And I think we’ve done exceedingly well. And when I say we, it is the
Government partnering with the private sector and civil society in creating that balance,” Ali
explained. The President also announced that he has asked the Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, to
review the current curfew with an aim of removing it “as early as tomorrow”.
ENERGY CONFERENCE: A TOURISM OPPORTUNITY

Ali revealed that with the Guyana Energy Conference and Expo 2022 set to take place from
February 15 to 18, he said that the event will present the opportunity for growth in the tourism
sector. “So the Energy Conference is not only about oil and gas, for a matter of fact to me oil and
gas is the sweetener… This is our time in the sector to put the country, our services and
everything on the show for all those who are coming,” he said Ali noted that to aid this, the
Government and private sector have concocted an innovative idea of making the Umana Yana a
duty-free zone. He said that the Government has invited local suppliers, producers, including
makers of jewellery and rum and persons who create art and craft, to generate a shopping
experience for all the foreign delegates and visitors coming to the conference.
This, he stressed, will bring the market potential to them in a creative way that will showcase
Guyana’s capabilities. President Ali also noted that in building the country’s emphasis on food
security, the Government is looking to launch ‘The President’s Children’s Orchard’ with
different types of trees and cabins where children will not only enjoy but also learn about the
importance of food and sustainability. The aim, according to the President, is to create a new
culture and drive for our future leaders.