Dear Editor,
A key component of the PPPC’s economic strategy is leveraging the nation’s tourism sector to drive job creation and GDP growth. Between 2020 and 2024, more than 562 hotel rooms were added to the existing inventory, with plans underway for an additional 1,500 rooms. Furthermore, there are 125 Bed & Breakfast establishments offering over 600 rooms. The government has established the Hospitality Institute to provide specialized training for hotel industry personnel; as of 2024, 8,000 workers have been trained. Notably, pre-Covid visitor numbers totaled 86,503, whereas by the end of 2024, this figure increased significantly to 371,272.
Several resorts complement the hotel industry, including Baganara Island Resort (near Bartica), Splashmins Hotel and Resort, Plasma Rock Resort, Marudi Creek Resort, 3 V’s Resort, and Long Creek Springs Resort on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway. Key attractions are Iwokrama National Park (Essequibo), Hyde Park Zoo and Tropical Garden (Land of Canaan), Unity Beach (East Coast), Railway Courtyard (Off Lamaha St, Georgetown), Seawall Beautification (Georgetown), and the stupendous Kaieteur Falls (Potaro River, Essequibo). Tour operators like Old Fort Tours support these facilities.
The Guyana government has created the enabling environment to promote tourism growth, and No 63 Beach stands out as an attractive tourism product. During a recent visit, the expansive beach and steady cool breeze from the Corentyne River created an animated atmosphere in which visitors of all ages enjoyed themselves throughout the day. The sun showered its brilliant rays onto the Corentyne River, the beach and surrounding areas while the white clouds drifted westward to rendezvous with the horizon. As the evening approached, the rising tide forced visitors to move higher up the beach. They had to move their parked vehicles on the sand higher up. Into those vehicles, they stored food and drinks. A group of youth remained unfazed; they reveled in their countless rides on two ski jets.
Despite the visitors’ having a wonderful time, there were a few dark spots. The beach was littered with trash and buried fabrics. With no bins or washrooms available and no rules evident, it’s surprising that neither the NDC nor Region 6 Office has taken steps to clean up or provide basic amenities. The current hands-off approach needs to change, as this beach has the potential to be both a national and international attraction if properly developed. This matter should receive due attention from the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, and the Local Government and Regional Development Minister. No 63 beach is waiting to explode its splendor!