Rock View Lodge, Waikin Ranch, Elite Kayaking & Nature Tours cleared for reopening

THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has announced that aside from Baganara Island Resort and Hurakabra River Resort, the Rock View Lodge, Waikin Ranch and Elite Kayaking & Nature Tours have also received conditional approval for reopening.

According to a release, by this weekend, four additional businesses will be inspected and are anticipated, based on a desk review of their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to receive approval early in the new week.

The GTA said that as part of its ongoing efforts to train, inspect and provide the approval, it has now been listed as an essential service under the latest COVID-19 gazetted measures.
“This move will ensure that the inspection team can easily access regions and locations that were previously inaccessible to ensure that businesses are up and running again in a safe way. Businesses that receive the conditional approval are reminded to maintain the protocols as outlined by the Guyana Tourism Authority and the National Gazetted measures. Failure to adhere to these measures will result in the revocation of the conditional approval tied to the COVID-19 measures,” the GTA said.
Additionally, as a result of collaborative efforts and intervention between the GTA, THAG and the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), there will now be a two-step process for tourism businesses to reopen.

The 2-step process entails submission of the business’ written Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) to the GTA for a desk review and on-site inspection of businesses to verify the implementation of the SPs and approval by the GTA.
Domestic and international travellers are recommended to use only approved tourism businesses to book and plan their tour activities.

The GTA said that anyone who chooses to go on tour with a business that has not been assessed and approved by the GTA is basically putting themselves and their tour group at risk.
The GTA indicated that lodges have shared that there is strong interest by domestic travellers to venture out to experience nature, especially after being confined to their homes for several months.

Recognising the level of interest for travel, GTA Director Carla James stated that “as tourism businesses receive the conditional approval for reopening, the GTA will roll out a marketing campaign to drive the demand and bookings so businesses that have been closed for more than eight months can start to generate revenue and re-employ staff who were affected by the pandemic and the lockdowns.”

She further stated that, “Guyana is uniquely positioned to be one of the safest destinations in relation to social distancing. Our vast pristine open landscapes and small group numbers lend to a more intimate tourism experience which is ideal for travel in the new norm. Based on this and the resilience of the tourism businesses, the outlook for tourism recovery is a positive one.”

The GTA is a semi-autonomous governmental organisation responsible for developing and promoting sustainable tourism in Guyana through collaboration with sister agencies and the tourism private sector in order to maximise local socio-economic and conservation outcomes and improve the travellers’ experience. The GTA is focused on Guyana becoming recognised locally and internationally as a premier destination for protecting its natural and cultural heritage, providing authentic experiences, and maximising local socio-economic benefits.