Improved infrastructure, hospitality training needed to boost Essequibo’s tourism

President of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce Deleep Singh has said that infrastructural development and training in hospitality services are needed to boost the tourism sector in Essequibo. He made these comments on the sidelines of this year’s hosting of the annual Regatta and stage show at Lake Mainstay, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Chief among the infrastructural changes, the Chamber of Commerce President remarked, is the need for an overhaul of the Good Hope/Supenaam Ferry Stelling. He added that there is also need for infrastructural improvements to the many tourist destinations located in Essequibo. “The Essequibo Chamber of Commerce is working this year to develop the tourism sector in this region [as] there is a lot of potential for tourism,” he highlighted. Singh, a hotel owner and businessman, further highlighted that there is need for much more training for persons living and working in the area on dealing with an influx of tourists and locals to enhance and grow the industry. “We need to train our boat operators, taxi drivers and every single one that is involved in handling tourists… because tourists need to be handled with respect,” he added, referencing the advancements in the Caribbean’s tourist sector.
Singh added that his organisation will be working with the relevant authorities on erecting road signs, improving road shoulders and removing stray animals. One of the upcoming highlights in Region Two is the development of a biodiversity park which is slated to attract hikers and birdwatchers.