Home latest news 19 Tourism Professionals recognised through Bird Guide Accreditation Programme

19 Tourism Professionals recognised through Bird Guide Accreditation Programme

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Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, joined the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS) in recognising 19 tourism professionals who have strengthened their skills through specialised bird guide training.

A total of 12 guides completed the first phase of the Coastal Bird Guide Certification, while seven Rupununi-based guides completed the Bird Guide Accreditation Programme and received their local bird guide accreditation.

Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues
Minister Rodrigues said the programme represents an important step in strengthening the people who bring Guyana’s natural attractions to life.
“When you take a visitor into our wetlands, forests, savannahs or coastal environments, you are doing more than pointing out a species. You’re helping someone understand your country, showing them why a habitat matters and helping them appreciate the richness of our natural heritage.”
Meanwhile, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, explained that the accreditation programme was developed to build on the Authority’s existing tour guide licensing framework and recognise guides with specialised expertise in birding.

“We quickly recognised that while you can become licensed, we must be able to distinguish guides that are not only licensed, but those that have a specialisation. And given the importance of birding as a niche in Guyana, we conceptualised that we should have a specific accreditation programme for bird guides.”

Guyana is home to more than 800 identified bird species, creating significant potential for birding to grow as a specialised tourism experience while generating opportunities for communities and tourism professionals.

The programme was developed through collaboration between the Guyana Tourism Authority and South Rupununi Conservation Society, with technical expertise from SRCS supporting the development of the training modules and the GTA providing project oversight and management.

The initiative also reinforces the connection between tourism development and conservation, with birding providing a low-impact way for visitors to experience and appreciate Guyana’s biodiversity.
The Ministry continues to support initiatives that strengthen professional standards, expand specialised skills and create opportunities for Guyanese to build sustainable livelihoods across the tourism sector.
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