300 police recruits to receive hospitality training to foster a more ‘welcoming Guyana’

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, today officially opened the Tourism and Hospitality Training for Police Officers at the Officers Training Centre, Eve Leary.

Launched under the theme “Professional Presence on Patrol – Service with Authority and Courtesy”, the initiative is being delivered in partnership with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to strengthen the role of law enforcement in enhancing the visitor experience and ensuring a welcoming, safe environment across Guyana.

The programme, conducted by Deborah King of Harobed Training, will train at least 300 new recruits over a six-day period, focusing on hospitality, communication, and service excellence when interacting with both residents and visitors.

In her remarks, the Minister highlighted that as tourism continues to expand, frontline personnel, including the police, play a key part in shaping how visitors perceive the destination. She commended the officers for their commitment and emphasised the importance of professionalism, courtesy, and cultural understanding when interacting with both residents and travellers.

This latest training effort builds on the Ministry’s broader agenda to elevate service standards nationwide, ensuring Guyana’s tourism growth is driven by excellence at every level.

Meanwhile, also speaking at the event, Senior Superintendent, Dr. Nicola Kendall emphasised that the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Police Force and the tourism sector to create a safe, welcoming, and memorable environment for residents and visitors. She reminded participants that tourism is one of Guyana’s fastest-growing industries and underscored the important role police officers play in supporting that development.