ACTO Community Tourism Technical Workshop Guyana International Conference Centre 14 th June, 2011

Presented By: Indranauth Haralsingh Director of Guyana Tourism Authority

New, Growing and Expanding Developing within the National Framework  LCDS & NDS Promoting conservation and sustainable development Important niche Providing employment, improving livelihoods Building linkages and partnerships Vital to national development

Community-based tourism is a visitor-host interaction that has meaningful participation through the celebration of traditional cultures and rituals. It generates economic and conservation benefits for local communities and environments.

The models that are practised in Guyana are: Model 1 Partnership A community partners with another entity to market and promote the community’s tourism product.

Arrowpoint Nature Resort / Santa Mission Rock View Lodge / Annai Cortours / Orealla Iwokrama / Fairview

Model 2 Family Run Operation A particular family within a community takes the lead role in promoting that community. The family is solely responsible for each activity that is conducted.

Dadanawa Ranch Karanambu Rock View Lodge

Model 3 Community Run Operation The entire community plays an active role in promoting and developing niche products, culture and heritage of that particular community.

Surama Eco-Lodge - Surama Rewa Eco-Lodge – Rewa Caiman House – Yupukari Maipaima Eco-Lodge – Nappi Tri-Lakes Agro-tourism Experience – Mainstay/Whyaka, Tapakuma, and Capoey Aranaputa Friendly Society – Aranaputa North West Organics – North West District, Region 1

Leadership Management & Organisation Funding & Investment Accessibility Transportation Marketing ICT and new Technology Skills Gap International Standards & Quality

Formation of management committees to assist in the product development and marketing of the communities’ tourism potential – North Rupununi District Development Board, Kanuku Mountain Community Representative Group, Rockstone Tourism Development Association, Linden Tourism Development Association Employment – creation of jobs within the communities Employment statistics for the North Rupununi (16 villages): Total number of employees reported Full time employees - 37% Part time employees- 63%

Updated inventory of all attractions, assets, skills, etc. Customised itineraries to cater for target market Training needs assessment Development of plans for continuous improvement - authentic craft and agricultural products, cultural events, quality of product, safety and security, service, accommodation, food

Community Based Events - Rodeo, Fish Festivals, Regattas and Wildlife Festivals, Expos Products – peanut butter, fruit cheese, balata figurines, cashew nuts, preserves, honey Art & Craft – hammocks, weaving, basketry, balata, bricks, furniture, souvenir hunting implements Cuisine – piwari, cassava bread, farine, casareep, pepperpot, honey, tasa, dried fish, cocoa

International Recognition & Awards Surama – Surama Eco-Lodge  Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award 2011, CTO  Selected as Responsible Tourism Showcase Honoree, Educational Travel Conference 2009  Outstanding Contribution to Community Tourism Development - GTA  The President's Award – THAG Rewa – Rewa Eco-Lodge  Choice location for short films and documentaries (BBC, Wild Within)

International Recognition & Awards Yupukari – Caiman House  Eco-club ecotourism Award 2009  Awarded Disney Friends for Change Grant (Butterfly Farming) Nappi – Maipaima Eco-Lodge  Honourable mention in LA Times Article “It’s a jungle allright in Guyana”

Accommodation - communities must have suitable and comfortable facilities. Accessibility- visitors must be able to gain access to community in a timely and safe manner. Attractions/Activities - must be unique and varied to capture the attention of visitors. They should be inventoried in categories as natural, man made, cultural and historical. Amenities - It is essential to have basic necessities such as proper sanitation and clean water.

Linkages with industry stakeholders and partners are vital for product development, capacity building and marketing Participatory decision making ensures organisational/community unity. Inclusive consultations and shared vision for tourism Strong community leadership and management are essential Technical and financial support are critical Good local governance, strong community organisation and mobilisation are important success factors Skills training is important to establish a quality tourism product and build management capacity to sustain it

The combination of market intelligence, consistent product concept and standards and business entrepreneurship are critical to success Driver is not purely income generation but also cultural and natural heritage, conservation and intercultural learning Regular assessment or review process to maintain product concept and quality and visitor experience is important It is important to promote the community experience to the domestic market as the international market is seasonal

Information sharing, documentation of CBT experience is important Advocacy by CBT can influence decision making Community Tourism development does not have to be based on natural attractions alone. Well organised events, trails, culture, heritage, activities, etc can create new opportunities CBT is not a quick fix

Job creation  Economic Development/Community Development  Improvement in the quality of life & standard of living Development of linkages  Government, NGO’s, Private Sector, Funding Agencies and other communities Niche product development  birding, sport fishing, butterfly farming Preservation  Culture, tradition, heritage and environment Commitment  Development initiatives, CIG - Blueprint, Training