President Dr. Irfaan Ali has highlighted two critical issues facing Guyana’s hospitality sector: driving traffic to the country and addressing the labor force needed to support its expansion.
Speaking at the official opening of PF Chang, a global restaurant chain in Guyana, Dr. Ali emphasized the necessity of strategic partnerships and investments to attract tourists and ensure the sustainability of new facilities.
Dr. Ali underscored Guyana’s potential as a major tourism destination, expressing confidence that investments in infrastructure, including 10 new hotels and international franchises by the end of 2025, will bolster this vision.
He stressed the importance of not only building new facilities but also ensuring sufficient demand to support them.
Addressing the labor supply challenge, Dr. Ali acknowledged the temporary nature of current employment practices in the service industry, advocating for long-term strategies to develop a skilled workforce.
He emphasized the need for ongoing training initiatives while concurrently addressing the labor shortage to effectively support Guyana’s hospitality growth.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance Guyana’s national development through tourism, positioning the country as an attractive destination on the global stage.
By Josiah Williams, NCN News