Guyana was a ‘dead nation’ under APNU+AFC

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–Minister Walrond says, highlights level of stagnation during administration’s tenure, contrasts it with record-breaking growth under the PPP/C –country to set this year to record highest-ever visitor-count in its history

THE A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) have found themselves on the receiving end of a political broadside from Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, for its lack of vision and failure to initiate any significant developmental projects during its tenure from 2015 to 2020.

The minister made those comments during a recent discussion, in which she highlighted that the coalition’s approach to governance was more focused on obstructing the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) initiatives instead of proposing their own ideas; this led to a period of stagnation in Guyana. “For five years, nothing happened. Guyana became a dead nation,” Walrond said, pointing to the stagnation that occurred under the previous government.

During the tenure of the APNU+AFC administration, Guyana’s tourism sector was described as being in a nascent stage, heavily reliant on primary factors for development rather than strategic planning and marketing efforts. Key challenges included high air travel costs, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of certified lodging options, all of which contributed to the sector’s sluggish growth. The tourism industry, despite being recognised as a potential driver of economic growth, saw little to no transformative changes under the APNU+AFC government.

Critics previously pointed out that the administration lacked a clear vision for tourism development, resulting in a period of inactivity. Minister Walrond said the absence of aggressive marketing and development strategies meant that Guyana could not capitalise on its potential as a prime tourist destination, particularly in nature-based tourism.

The lack of significant government budgetary support and insufficient private sector investment further hampered the sector’s development. This period of stagnation, as described by Walrond, left Guyana struggling to attract international tourists, with the country failing to establish itself as a competitive destination in the global tourism market.

REVITALIsATION UNDER PPP/C In stark contrast to the previous administration, the PPP/C government, since taking office in 2020, has been credited with revitalising Guyana’s tourism sector, leading to record increases in visitor arrivals and spending. Walrond highlighted the significant strides made in the tourism sector, noting that since 2020, visitor arrivals have been consistently increasing, breaking records every year. “People are coming to Guyana, and they’re staying a longer time, and they’re spending their dollars,” she emphasised.

This growth, she said, is a direct result of the government’s strategic efforts to diversify Guyana’s tourism offerings and promote the country as a prime destination. The development of tourism products and experiences across various regions is not only attracting more visitors, but is also benefiting local communities economically. The Mid-Year Report 2024 from the Ministry of Finance highlighted the nation’s continued rise as a global leader in sustainable tourism, buoyed by international recognition and a series of strategic initiatives. In March 2024, Guyana’s commitment to ecological and sustainable tourism was internationally acknowledged when the country was named Destination of the Year in the Ecological Tourism Category by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association.

Additionally, Guyana received the Silver Award for Best Initiatives for Indigenous Communities at the World Travel Market Latin America Responsible Tourism Awards. These accolades are expected to further enhance the country’s profile on the global tourism stage, attracting a wave of eco-conscious travellers. The first half of 2024 saw a significant uptick in visitor arrivals, with 170,744 tourists visiting the country, an increase of 21,724 compared to the same period in 2023.

This surge is largely attributed to enhanced air connectivity and the hosting of major events and conferences, such as the popular Cricket Carnival. The addition of new flights from airlines such as Sky High Dominicana, United Airlines, and American Airlines, has made it easier for international tourists to access Guyana, further boosting the sector’s growth. Projections indicate that Guyana could welcome up to 350,000 visitors by the end of 2024, marking the highest annual visitor count in the nation’s history.

This growth is supported by an expansion in hotel infrastructure, with several new hotels, including Aiden Best Western, AC Marriott, and Marriott Courtyard, currently under construction. According to the report, these developments are expected to increase the country’s accommodation capacity significantly, catering to the growing influx of tourists.

The report highlighted that to ensure that the tourism sector meets international standards, the PPP/C-led government has prioritised service quality improvements. This includes comprehensive hospitality and tourism training programmes aimed at enhancing the skills of local workers.

Additionally, new tourism circuits are being developed, and agri-tourism is being promoted as a unique attraction, leveraging Guyana’s rich agricultural heritage. The continued focus on sustainable tourism, combined with strategic investments in infrastructure and service quality, positions Guyana as a rising star in the global tourism industry. With the sector set to play a crucial role in the country’s economic diversification, the PPP/C government’s initiatives are propelling Guyana towards a future of prosperity, leaving behind what Minister Walrond described as the “dead nation” era under APNU+AFC

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