Promoting tourism
Editorial
The Minister of Trade, Tourism and Industry Geoffrey da Silva must be congratulated for capitalising on the initiative taken by his predecessor, the late Michael Shree Chan, to host the Fourth Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase Guyana's potential and to get Guyana more into the tourist loop. Many have been convinced for some time that eco-tourism can make a major contribution to Guyana's economy. But as Mr Jean Holder, the Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation pointed out on the opening day, the government must "demonstrate its commitment to the concept by investing adequate human and financial resources in tourist development". So far it has signally failed to do this and the private sector has had to make the running, including costly attendances at overseas conferences, with little government help. It must be hoped that Mr da Silva can convince the cabinet to take tourism much more seriously than it has done so far. He can draw support from the National Development Strategy which identifies tourism as a major area for development. The Strategy says: " The income which Costa Rica generates from its 2 million ha of protected areas is as much as Guyana's GNP. While Guyana cannot expect to attain, within the foreseeable future, such high levels of revenue, it is more than feasible that it can, within l0 years, contribute about 5 per cent of the country's expanding GDP, provided that the right policies and incentive structures are put in place. However, Guyana will never overcome the antipathies of the environmentalists and the potential eco-tourist while it remains the only country on this continent without an effective national protected area system. This, despite the fact that our country has the potential to establish a comprehensive, ecologically representative protected area network in a supportive matrix of well managed forests and other ecosystems. A significant level of eco-tourism development is unlikely to occur unless Guyana becomes known as a country where high standards of environmental stewardship are applied to all aspects of its natural resource utilisation and management. Guyana's lack of an image as a tourism destination, coupled with its failure to formulate and implement a serious public relations and marketing campaign for the country, are possibly the biggest obstacles to the development of tourism. Guyana needs to realise that marketing is a business and cannot be accomplished by amateurs in its embassies. In any event, the country does not have embassies and consulates in most of the major target cities. Professional representation in the markets that Guyana wishes to attract, with the necessary financial resources, is therefore vital. In addition, there should be adequate expenditure on advertising in all the media. It should also be appreciated that tourism is an export industry and should therefore be eligible for the benefits normally afforded to other export sectors. In Guyana, the involvement and support of Amerindian communities and other people living in the hinterland is essential for the development of an effective park system that can attract and support significant ecotourism. It is equally necessary that social partnerships are encouraged between Amerindians and private investors, and that Amerindian communities have access to capital to foster their own direct involvement in the industry. Tourism presents Amerindians with an opportunity to build an indigenous industry which is labour intensive and would benefit local communities. Tourist agencies and the National Protected Areas System when it is established, could involve Amerindians in its eco-tourism activities. Amerindians could be trained as park rangers and guides, since they have an unrivalled knowledge of the local terrain and its natural resources. Further, they are more likely to remain in these areas in the long-term than the average coastlander". The setting up of a National Protected Areas System has languished under the guidance of the Environmental Protection Agency. If Mr da Silva hopes to make rapid progress he has to ensure that this agency is run far more effectively than it now is. Outlining what will (should) be done to get the show on the road, and to end years of frustration by the private sector which has taken the initiative by setting up several attractive resorts and organising hinterland tours, the Strategy states: "The Tourism Division in the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Industry will be much more strengthened in order to bring it into line with the other Divisions in the Ministry. At least two specialists from the Environmental Protection Agency will be seconded to the Ministry. This would emphasise not only the linkages between eco-tourism and the environment in Guyana, but also the importance that is ascribed to both "sectors" in the country's future development. A National Tourism Board will be established. This will replace the defunct Tourism Advisory Board. Its main responsibilities would be regulation, marketing, research and product development. The Authority will be established by an act of parliament as a body corporate. The Board will comprise representatives of the Ministry responsible for tourism, the Ministry of Regional Affairs, the tourism industry, the Private Sector Commission, the Private Aircraft Owners Association, and the Amerindian Community. The Board will be funded from contributions of both the private sector and the Government by way of a formula to be agreed upon by the parties concerned. The work which has already begun to establish a Protected Area System will be expeditiously concluded". We must hope that the conference will create the impetus and the support for Mr da Silva to secure government backing for a resolute push forward.
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