Guyana tourist arrivals up by 13.9 percent in first quarter

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA) -- The ministry of tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) have reported a record high of 46,369 arrivals in the first quarter, or a13.9 percent increase over last year’s first quarter arrivals.

Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali
“It is clear that the country’s interest in tourism is very aggressive at this moment. This steady increase is testimony to the continued investment in the country’s tourism sector and the aggressive marketing strategies used,” tourism industry and commerce minister (ag), Irfaan Ali explained.

The United States remained at the top market for a share of 39% of the total tourist arrivals during first quarter of this year, while visitors from the Caribbean accounted for 24% of the total arrivals.

Director of the GTA, Indranauth Haralsingh, attributed the increase in arrivals from Central and South America, accounting for 15% of total market share, to the boost in air lift provided by Conviasa, Copa Airlines and Insel Air, and the marketing initiatives of the GTA, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and the private sector.

He explained, “Conviasa continues flying to Guyana from Venezuela, Insel Air has also commenced flights direct from the Dutch Caribbean. In addition, with the introduction of direct flights by COPA we have seen an increase in airlift to Guyana.”

The third and fourth biggest generating markets were Canada and Europe with 13% and 6% respectively.

The current year-to-date (January to March 2015) summary indicates that visitor arrivals increased by 26.1% with a total of 18,464 visitors compared with 14,648 for the same period in 2014.

According to the GTA director, these figures can be attributed to the fact that Guyana continues to attract more international recognition through films and documentaries; the country has maintained attendance at key travel and trade shows and the fact that the Guyana Tourism Authority has intensified its marketing strategies; Haralsingh noted too that Guyana is also in talks with more reputable airlines.

“This is a tangible return on our investments,” he said.

It is evident from the figures and the overall trends that visitor arrivals keep climbing and, according to Ali, it is expected to continue along this trajectory. He noted too that the growth in the sector will be supported by several major investments including the recently opened Marriott Hotel, and the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport among many others.