Guyana’s 2014 Tourism Awards ceremony heralded the official beginning of the Ambassador Program , which saw popular Guyanese figures being appointed as Tourism Ambassadors for the country. This initiative comes on the heels of the country’s rebranding exercise intended to reposition the destination as “Guyana – South America Undiscovered.
As Ambassadors, those selected will act as the faces and Brand Ambassadors of the sector, both at home and abroad and will assist in promoting ‘Destination Guyana’, thereby helping others to discover the very diverse, vibrant and exciting tourism product Guyana offers.
The country stands to reap tremendous benefits from the goodwill, accomplishments and popularity of the Ambassadors, who have all pledged their commitment to give back to the country; they include popular motor racing champion, Mr. Andrew King, founder/leader of the legendary Tradewinds Band, Mr. Dave Martins, Caribbean Squash Queen, Ms. Nicolette Fernandes, former Captain of the West Indies Cricket Team and champion batsman, Mr. Clive Lloyd, world renowned Guyanese cricketer, Mr. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, champion bodybuilder and former Mr. Universe , Mr. Hugh Ross and popular cricket commentator and sports administrator , Mr. Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira.
Pointing to the high esteem to be placed on the chosen Ambassadors, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Irfaan Ali stressed on the need for Guyanese to be reminded of the importance of the sector in Guyana’s future.
“The growth of this sector cannot be achieved alone, we need partners in order to move forward,” Minister Ali stated.
Meanwhile the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Indranauth Haralsingh explained that these individuals will undergo training, adding that some of them have already done so; they will also be required to attend tourism events and trade shows for and behalf of Guyana, where they will make presentations.
Eighteen individuals were also awarded as the Tourism Ministry and the GTA recognized those who contributed to tourism management, administration, marketing and development in Guyana.
Guyana Tourism Authority, www.guyana-tourism.com