By Celestine Chacon | November 11, 2024
The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has been actively supporting villages across the country, empowering them to develop and promote their local tourism products.
This initiative, aimed at enhancing sustainable tourism, has been a key part of the GTA’s mission to boost local economies and increase tourism awareness, especially during the month-long celebration of Tourism Awareness in 2024.
As part of the Tourism Awareness Month, the GTA released a series of videos showcasing various villages and their accomplishments in promoting eco-tourism and related initiatives.
These efforts have led to positive outcomes for local communities by improving their tourism offerings through training and other collaborative initiatives.
One such village benefiting from the GTA’s support is Toka, located in the North Rupununi, Region Nine.
Toka has been able to enhance its tourism product thanks to the GTA’s assistance.
Recently, Toshao Micah Davis of Toka Village highlighted the village’s commitment to eco-tourism, emphasizing the importance of connecting with nature and showcasing the community’s offerings to tourists.
He mentioned that the GTA’s support has been instrumental in launching Toka’s tourism product.
In addition to Toka, several other representatives from remote villages across the country have participated in specialized workshops aimed at promoting eco-tourism.
Notably, Davis and other tourism leaders, including Roy Chambers from Paruima Village in Region Seven, participated in an Ecolodge Development Workshop led by renowned ecotourism expert Professor Hitesh Mehta.
The week-long training focused on the development of eco-lodges, tour guide training, and portering, equipping these communities with the skills needed to strengthen their tourism offerings.
Roy Chambers from Paruima Village expressed the positive impact of the GTA’s training programs, noting the benefit of learning about nature, eco-lodge preparation, and tour guiding, which has enhanced their tourism capabilities.
This ongoing collaboration between the GTA and local communities highlights the importance of inclusive tourism development, ensuring that even the most remote villages in Guyana can tap into the growing tourism industry, boosting their local economies and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.
Tourism Awareness Month 2024 was officially launched on November 2, under the theme “A People-Centered Tourism Product: Elevating Our Profile,” which aligns with the GTA’s mission of empowering communities while promoting sustainable tourism practices.