Ed to keep tourism sector afloat
Suriname.
He noted that although there are no active cases of coronavirus in the country, like Guyana air fares and unfair cancellation policies are in place, causing persons to have second thoughts about travelling around the country even though it is a “reasonably safe destination.”
He suggested that temporary discounts and fair cancellation policies along with COVID-19 protocols in place be implemented to ensure that the interest in travel be kept alive.
In this regard, the Director General of Civil Aviation Authority Egbert Field stated that in order to restore tourism, new tour packages targeting local companies and individuals should be developed. In addition he encouraged GTA to introduce subsidized packages for Guyanese citizens.
He revealed that JetBlue contacted him about two weeks ago and told him that they are cancelling the launch of the airline until the spring season of 2021 after which he urged the GTA to restart their plan to include a common approach towards health during the pandemic.
Apart from that, James noted that the Guyana tourism sector’s weaknesses are now the country’s strength. She noted that crowded tourism destinations will now become less popular. “Guyana is the ideal place to travel post COVID-19. We have a unique offer because we offer something really special,” she stated.
Advantages
James noted that the tourism industry is currently facing a number of challenges, such as the closures of necessary suppliers, rates uncertainty, the lack of promotional or discounted rates and favourable conditions and the question of “is Guyana safe?” Despite these challenges, she said, Guyana has competitive advantages, such as being a less travelled destination, having less crowded small groups, and being perceived to be safe, clean and optimally ‘green’ and pristine.
Further, she stated that GTA has been making use of digital platforms to keep the general public informed via the GTA Facebook page, a WhatsApp group, email blasts, press releases and provision of business advice and recommendations to the sector on how to manage the changes faced in a business environment.
She added that as they have been promoting a “postpone, don’t cancel” policy, the messages and tone of the posts on social media changed, inspiring travel but cognizant of the time.
They have also created videos to encourage people to think about Guyana as their next vacation destination and have developed online training for the trade. In addition, they are facilitating webinars, short videos to teach people about Guyana with activities such as backyard birding.
De facto Minister of Public Communications Cathy Hughes advised that technology can be used to foster “great creativity” and highlighted that the ministry has ensured that many indigenous communities have access to the internet, while noting that many foreigners prefer to visit the hinterland areas during their time in Guyana.
However, given the state of affairs in the country, she stated that virtual tours of remote areas in Guyana can boost tourism and give persons “a taste of the real thing.” She explained that having internet access, especially in remote areas, can positively impact the industry by allowing a potential tourist to have an idea of what to expect in the country.
This, she said, will encourage tourists to start planning a trip to the country so they can come and enjoy the product or service of the Guyanese host. “In a pandemic virtual reality tourism would be the ideal way to go,” she stated.