“Amerindian communities integral to Guyana’s tourism development” – Minister Walrond

Amerindian communities play a vital role in Guyana’s tourism landscape, a point strongly emphasised by the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, during her address at the National Toshaos Conference on Wednesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

Minister Walrond highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to fostering partnerships with Amerindian communities, where tourism initiatives are both community-owned and community-led.

She pointed to several projects facilitated by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) that have been implemented across various Indigenous communities.

“When you look at the projects we have undertaken, you will see that we have been actively working with communities in every region of this country. Whether it’s training, product development, or marketing, we are engaging and will continue to engage communities to help develop robust, sustainable tourism experiences that benefit the residents,” she stated.

Minister Walrond also announced the launch of the Guyana Ecolodge Guidelines Manual.

This resource was developed through a collaborative effort among the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), and the Guyana Development Initiative (GDI). The manual provides comprehensive guidance on the planning, design, and construction of authentic ecolodges, tailored specifically to Guyana’s unique environment and tourism potential.

Minister Walrond further noted that the GTA will be expanding its hospitality and service training programmes across the country, aimed at building capacity within communities and enhancing the overall tourism experience.

She also emphasised that the Ministry would continue to support communities in marketing their tourism offerings, helping to improve visibility and attract more visitors to local destinations.

Several Toshaos expressed appreciation for the collaboration and support they have received from the Ministry and the GTA over the past four years. They also shared their enthusiasm for advancing their tourism offerings.

In response to requests from Toshaos in Region One, Minister Walrond committed to an upcoming visit to the region to assess tourism projects on the ground and provide targeted support where needed.