GUYANA: GTA issues Third Tour Operator License,Bushmasters Attains 100% Conformity

Attaining 100% conformity with Tourism Regulations and being issued with an operating License should be an integral goal for all tourism operations.

This pronouncement was made by the company’s Manager Director of Ian Craddock, as he was presented with the operating license for Bushmasters, from the Guyana Tourism Authority.

In accepting the certificate, Craddock underscored the importance of adhering to the highest standards that govern the industry, particularly when doing business with international companies.

The Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), in an effort to prepare local businesses to become more competitive , are striving to ensure that these establishments meet the necessary requirements expected by any tourist or visitor visiting any one of these facilities, whether overseas or locals.

The Director of the GTA, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, urged all tourism businesses to follow the example set by the entities which have been licensed to date, and to commit to the process.

He said, “This is in no way a difficult process, but it is a process that requires commitment. We want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on this achievement and for following through with the process. This is a significant achievement and should set the precedent for other businesses.”

Haralsingh acknowledged that with the growth in the tourism sector, conformity to set standards and regulations should be the focus of tourism establishments, even as they employ the best marketing and promotional strategies.

“Benefits of Registration

On the issue of Registration, The GTA Director made a special appeal to those businesses that have not yet registered; he urged them to recognize the importance of the exercise and the many benefits of compliance.

“The first step is to be registered. You may have various reasons but no business is too small to be registered especially if people are putting all their faith and trust in you,” he urged.

Alluding to the benefits to be derived from achieving 100% compliance, Haralsingh explained that the GTA will be separating these businesses and will provide a listing on their website; this will determine who gets support in terms of both local and international exposure.

“The GTA’s Act and these regulations say that you need a license to operate any one of these businesses, we will not want our visitors to have a tourism experience with an unregistered and unlicensed business,” the GTA Director explained.

Bushmasters Tours is the third Tour Operator to receive certification; Roraima Tours and Wilderness Explorers already achieved this important milestone, while Rock View Lodge Eco Tourism Resort was presented with their license under the Interior Lodges and Resort category and Princess Hotel and City Inn were granted licenses under the Tourism Accommodation category.

The GTA will continue to monitor and evaluate hospitality institutions across the country in their effort to ensure that the Tourism Industry in Guyana continues to grow and expand.