Tourism Business Licensing clinic attracts new and established tourism entities

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh told said a number of agencies that are considered critical to the registration and licensing processes, provided services during the one day forum.

Tourism Business Licensing clinic attracts new and established tourism entities

Aimed at fast-tracking the licensing and registration process for business within the Tourism Industry, a Tourism Business Licensing Clinic was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Wednesday. It attracted scores of new businesses.

The licensing clinic was organized by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh said a number of agencies that are considered critical to the registration and licensing processes, provided services during the one day forum.

 “It brings together all of the agencies that issue permits and licenses for tourism related businesses. So, for all accommodation establishments, all interior lodges and resorts, tour operators and guides, the agencies that permit various types of licenses for those categories I just mentioned are here under a singular roof at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. The idea is to bring everyone together so that the licensing process is much easier,” the GTA Director explained.

He said the agencies not only processed licenses, registrations and various applications, but responded to a number of concerns raised by businesses within the Tourism and Hospitality Industry.

It was also noted that tour operators and business owners were exposed to training on the creation of Health and Safety Strategies and Guidelines.

“As you know we have been having many instances of accidents or unfortunate accidents that I think could have been avoided if the right safety systems are in place. We are using this clinic here to one, ensure that people have the right safety systems,” he said.

The businesses were also updated on the importance of having their business insurance and having insurance policies in place for guests.

Melanie McTurk, Managing Director of Karanambu Lodge, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) said the clinic is a welcomed initiative, describing it as a one stop shop for tourism operators.

“I think it is a fantastic idea, and it is a wonderful way to start the New Year. I think especially for locations in Region 9 or persons outside of Georgetown, one of the big challenge to regularization has been the centralization of services and the cost and time it takes to get to all these services. When you are coming to Georgetown, there is a tremendous cost, and then travelling around to all these different agencies to do different things, take a lot of time,” she explained.

McTurk said the initiative will result in more businesses registering with the Tourism Authority.

The next clinic will be held in Region 9 in February.

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