Connecting the Guianas through Sustainable Tourism Presentation to the XXIV Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High-Level Authorities of Tourism March 22, 2018 Donald Sinclair Director General of Tourism, Cooperative Republic of Guyana 3 Guianas: Guyana Suriname Fr. Guiana Also applicable to the larger context of the Guiana Shield. Connecting the Guianas - Previous Initiatives The Guianas Trail (GT) – a Guyana Tourism Private Sector Initiative of 2003 The Combined Amazon Tourism Project (CATP) – Initiative of the Suriname Tourism Foundation (2005-2007) The Amazon Caribbean Tourism Trail (ACTT)– initiative of Amazon Cooperation Treaty organization (ACTO -2009) OUTCOMES GT CATP ACTT • Guyana and • Meetings held Suriname Tourism involving operators • Initiative involved bodies did not meet from Suriname and Guyana, Suriname and to make concrete French Guiana State of Para in Brazil plans • Destination Manual • Brochure published produced and • Initiative died at the launched at ITB 2010 official level • Changes of officials on the French side • Basis laid for later • Tour operator links slowed, then halted initiatives for onOutcomes the ground progress cooperation in Tourism continued Connecting the Guianas- Recent Developments Government NGO World Development Drafting of a Guyana – Foundation drafts a Suriname Tourism Guiana Shield Accord Sustainable Tourism Initiative Initiative in stages of Engagements begun in finalisation between Suriname the two countries Connecting the Guianas Points of Creation of connected itineraries based upon outstanding natural and cultural attractions Constant monitoring to Increasing ensure quality transport links assurance Product Shared product Border and research and information port travel gathering facilitation Agreement regarding appropriate standards More effective use of resources through joint promotional activities – trade fairs, road shows etc. PROMOTION Cooperation in branding the Guianas product and in use of websites, social media and other online campaigns Thank you Gracias Obrigado Merci .