Guyana gets copies of new Caribbean tourism manual
TOURISM Minister, Mr Geoffrey Da Silva (left) hands over copies of the manual to Chief Education Officer, Mr Ed Caesar at the ceremony held last Wednesday at the Ocean View Hotel, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. THE result of a project jointly funded by the Organisation of American States (OAS), Canada Fund For Local Initiatives and the European Union (EU) Caribbean Regional Tourism Sector Programme (CRISP) has been revealed here. It is a manual intended to provide a comprehensive reference document on traditional and non-traditional careers in tourism and source education and training in the region. Copies of the compilation, titled `Guide to Tourism Careers, Education and training in the Caribbean', were handed out by Trade, Tourism and Industry Minister, Mr Geoffrey DaSilva to the representatives of the Education Ministry, Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, University of Guyana, Cyril Potter College of Education and Carnegie School of Home Economics. The presentations were made last Wednesday at the Ocean View Hotel, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. The 222-page book discusses eight aspects of tourism in detail and, in the preface, Secretary General of Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), Mr Jean Holder said it is to whet the appetites of high achievers so that can seriously consider what contribution they must make to provide career and guidance counselors with first hand, accurate information about the sector. Holder observed that many still consider the tourism industry as a second best career choice to be explored with considerable reservation. "It is clear that a communication and information gap remains and that people, especially those who are about to make a career choice, have very few places to look for updated relevant information related to career opportunities in the sector," Holder said. OAS Country Director in Guyana, Mr Michael Wyllie agreed Guyanese must be made aware of the benefits of tourism, stressing that the average workers in the business are the ones on whom Guyana will have to depend to develop tourism. People must be made cognisant of what is necessary for a successful industry, the diplomat stressed. Suggesting that Guyana might have to go that way, too, he pointed out that, in Jamaica, there is a tourism college where people learn how to be good employees in the industry. Though the local venture is in its infancy, Wyllie said he is encouraged by what he has seen so far. EU Delegate in this capital, Mr Vincent De Visscher concurred that the Caribbean needs to use its manpower to the utmost to remain competitive in the face of globalisation. "It is no longer enough to have sandy beaches, warm weather, beautiful forests or waterfalls. The tourist needs to find as good services and facilities as he or she can find in Asia or elsewhere," he emphasised. De Visscher said the promotion requires many talented and well-trained people. First Secretary, Development, in the Canadian High Commission, Ms France Asselin asserted that the publication is important because the Caribbean has become increasingly dependent on tourism. DaSilva endorsed the view that tourists now want to experience more and he expects tourism to play a major role in the economy, linked to sports and culture.(Gwen Evelyn)
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