–President Ali says as Aiden Hotel opens in Georgetown
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali emphasised the importance of aligning ‘Brand Guyana’ with the world’s leading global brands, as he delivered remarks at the grand opening of the Aiden Hotel.
The hotel, located at Oronoque and Robb Streets, Georgetown, was inaugurated on Saturday evening.
The Aiden Hotel in Guyana, part of Best Western’s global portfolio and the brand’s first property in South America, was developed by Arimu Investments Incorporated.
Arimu Investment is operated by the Alphonso family, a prominent business family from Pomeroon, in the County of Essequibo.
During the launch of the boutique luxury hotel, President Ali highlighted the role of high-quality investments like Aiden in boosting the country’s international image.
He stressed that such developments are essential for Guyana to compete on the global stage and attract both investors and tourists, ensuring that the nation is synonymous with excellence.
“We have welcomed to our shores the best in eco-tourism businesses [and] premier companies. What this allowed is for ‘Brand Guyana’ to be associated with the best brands in the world; the best markets in the world. It allows ‘Brand Guyana’ to be marketed in the top-tier tourism hub globally,” he emphasised.
According to Dr. Ali, the investment in the hotel is linked to the country’s vision of building a world-class economy by 2030, aiming for three million people to pass through the country annually.
He related that the hotel’s quality has led the brand owners to adjust their model upwards. The president stressed the importance of predictability in brand pricing, service, and value to build long-term clientele trust.
President Ali also spoke about Aiden’s testing stage, noting that during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the hotel welcomed real guests.
He urged the Aiden Hotel to actively promote Essequibo, particularly the Pomeroon region, highlighting its rich cultural heritage as key attractions for tourists.
COMMITTED GOVERNMENT
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond said that when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was elected to office, it identified a significant challenge in the tourism sector: The insufficient room capacity to support the dynamic tourism sector that was envisioned.
To address this gap, she explained, the government published Expressions of Interest for the development of internationally-branded hotels, thereby signaling its readiness for a new era in tourism.
The Aiden Hotel in Georgetown
According to Minister Walrond, the Alfonso group was among the first to respond with a bold plan to establish the first Aiden franchise in South America.
In this regard, she pointed out that the opening of the Aiden by Best Western is proof of what can be achieved when the private sector and government work hand-in-hand to develop tourism.
“Your government is committed to fostering those partnerships. And we are confident that the investments we make today will pay dividends for generations to come,” the Tourism Minister said, adding: “This is more than just the opening of another hotel; this represents our country’s continued growth and recognition as a key destination in the region. The upward trajectory of tourism in our country is clear.”
Walrond stated that the presence of internationally-branded hotels like Aiden reinforces Guyana’s position as a country on the move, with more brands expected to establish themselves.
The aim, according to her, is to offer authentic and sustainable experiences that meet global standards, while showcasing the unique beauty of the country.
More importantly, she emphasised the importance of the growing interconnectedness of tourism components, calling for strong collaboration among hotels, tour operators, entertainment providers, and recreational facilities.
Walrond reasoned that hotels should go beyond offering accommodation, and become ambassadors for the destination, actively promoting its attractions and experiences to guests.
2000 NEW HOTEL ROOMS BY 2025
Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Investment Officer and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Office of Investment (GO-Invest), reminded of the government’s focus on delivering 2000 new hotel rooms by 2025.
He revealed that the Alfonso group has partnered with Best Western to build the first of many new hotels, marking a significant step in local-guided branded hospitality.
Dr. Ramsaroop noted that President Ali’s commitment extends beyond building rooms; that he aims to ensure that these rooms are filled, which will generate profit for investors.
He highlighted the significance of the new hotel being Guyanese-run, Guyanese-invested, and built on Guyanese land.
He further discussed the limitations faced due to the lack of adequate hotel rooms, citing recent high-level conferences. According to him, Guyana’s inability to host larger events has led to missed opportunities, underscoring the need for more quality hotel rooms.
Dr. Ramsaroop explained that the new hotel projects are seen as the first step in a series of developments aimed at addressing these capacity issues.
GUYANESE SKILLS
Director of Arimu Investments Inc., Lorenzo Alphonso stated that the hotel was completed after overcoming procurement and logistical challenges. Despite these obstacles, he said, the Aiden hotel is now a significant architectural structure in Guyana.
Alphonso highlighted that the construction involved significant local resources and contractors, showcasing Guyanese skill and expertise, with the developers being 100 per cent Guyanese from Essequibo.
He said: “We should never doubt our Guyanese skillset; the proof is right behind me, 100 per cent supervised by Guyanese, scrutinised by Guyanese, and approved by Guyanese.”
Alphonso expressed pride in the local involvement, and the successful completion of the project, highlighting the importance of local resources and talent.
WORLD-CLASS AMENITIES
Aiden by Best Western boasts 138 ‘smart’ rooms, including six extended-stay suites, and an executive floor with premier suites. The hotel features local artwork, a restaurant, a luxurious coffee shop, and a private terrace with city views.
It employs over 72 locals and expatriates with experience at world-renowned hotels like Four Seasons, Hyatt, and Hilton, ensuring high-quality customer service. The Aiden hotel is known for its world-class amenities and services, showcasing the culture, flora, and fauna of Guyana. Each floor of the hotel features images of native animals, flowers, and sceneries, with suites named after rivers in Guyana.
The real gem of the Aiden Hotel is the ninth floor’s Horizon Lounge and Terrace, offering a 180-degree view of the city, with unmatched surround sound, wine selection, and a cigar bar.
The hotel includes a meeting room, two co-working areas, a sundry shop, and a restaurant called, Mosaic, offering culinary delicacies from around the world. A luxurious coffee shop on the eighth floor offers a unique selection of local coffees and teas, along with international grades of coffee. The Eighth floor features the Purple Heart Executive Lounge with comfortable seating, a cocktail bar, and a private terrace. The hotel’s parking space can accommodate over 100 vehicles.
The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) provided sole financing for the development of the Aiden Hotel. The cost of the hotel is, reportedly, US$25 million.
The hotel is strategically located near key attractions, including the historic St. George’s Cathedral and the bustling Stabroek Market. Additionally, it is in close proximity to major business hubs.
The opening ceremony was attended by a mix of government officials, including Prime Minister Mark Phillips; Minster of Labour Joseph Hamilton; Minster of Housing and Water Collin Croal; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag; business and religious leaders, members of the diplomatic community, and Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore, among others.
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Publish date : 2024-10-19 23:20:00
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