Latest update March 29th, 2024 12:46 AM
Jun 01, 2009 News
The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) will soon move to implement the Guyana Tourism Regulations 2009, to ensure that hotels, lodges, resorts, tour operators and tourist guides operate within the boundaries of the laws of Guyana.
Director of the GTA, Haralsing, said that the GTA regulations were completed in 2005, after detailed consultations with stakeholders in the industry and numerous visits to various destinations.
The draft regulations were sent to the Attorney General’s (AG) chambers and key stakeholders to be assessed. At the AG’s chambers, these were done in the context of the law to ensure readiness for cabinet’s approval.
“The passing of the regulations is a great step of achievement in making Guyana a better tourism destination. Our product is world class with diverse cultures, rich heritage, abundant flora and fauna species and most of all friendly people,” the GTA director said.
He added that Guyana has excellent facilities for business, culture and heritage, shopping, health, sports and community-based tourism as these are the strengths of the country’s tourism potential.
These regulations are needed so as to ensure that high standards of services are constantly maintained and provided to visitors.
“The regulations have been finalized and as such, we can get the ball rolling for a bigger and better tourism industry.”
The regulations have four categories. These include Tourism Accommodation and Establishments referred to as hotels, apartments, guest houses and inns, along with Lodges and resorts, tour operators and tourist guides.
The implementing of these regulations is intended to make the destinations more competitive and maintain quality and standard in all establishments and operations, and increase visitor arrivals which would lead to increased revenue.
They are also intended to provide knowledge to locals on international requirements of tourists and tourism destinations, provide a basis on which other standards can be implemented, and improve visitors satisfaction and increase investments.
It was explained that stakeholders need to purchase license application forms from GTA and then submit the completed forms to the GTA with the required certificates of conformity as set out by the regulations. The GTA will inspect and evaluate the property/operations within 14 working days.
Should stakeholders meet the requirements, license will be issued within 30 working days and if the requirements are not met, an extended period will be granted.
Failure to comply with the regulations will result in a first penalty of $50,000.
It was noted that the GTA may refuse to issue a license, or may revoke a license if any tourism business is not in compliance with the provision of the Act of any regulation.
Meanwhile, under the tour guides regulation, the GTA is required to maintain a public register of persons who are qualified to act as tourist guides.
Obtaining a tour guide license, enrolls the applicant into the GTA’s register as the authority may require all registered tour guides to attend periodic courses.
(Fareeza Haniff)
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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