How to shape a vision for 2025 based on key lessons learnt from past tourism of Guyana

Abstract

Purpose

This paper provides the backdrop to the other seven articles in this WHATT 2018 theme issue dedicated to Guyana. This paper looks back and ahead at the development of tourism in Guyana. The purpose of this paper is to enable the reader to have a clear understanding of the provenance of the industry over the past 50 years and how that evolution informs the possible direction and future of the industry up to the year 2025 and beyond.

Design/methodology/approach

As would be expected of any study that examines the antecedence of a phenomenon, there is reliance to a significant degree upon historical material and interviews. The former comprises studies done by tourism consultants and researchers in Guyana, as well as publications from government agencies and sources. Further, especially in the quest for information relating to contemporary policies and developments, the interview method has been used.

Findings

This paper establishes that the evolution of tourism in Guyana is a movement from obscurity and insignificance to prominence and vibrancy. From being off the tourism map for many decades, Guyana is now enhancing its profile in the Caribbean region and carving a “green niche” for itself in the nature and adventure travel market.

Originality/value

This paper provides special value to persons working in the development of tourism, in either the public or private sector.

Citation

Sinclair, D. and Jayawardena, C.(C). (2018), "How to shape a vision for 2025 based on key lessons learnt from past tourism of Guyana", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 10 No. 5, pp. 532-544. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-05-2018-0038