Protect tourism industry now
Editorial
Kaieteur News
November 30, 2006
The growth of Guyana 's tourism sector as well as the prospect of increased numbers of visitors coming to the country after the exposure it will get from Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 emphasises the need to put appropriate mechanisms in place to protect the industry from every angle.
Tourism seems set to take off in Guyana and if it does, it will mean dramatic changes in the socio-economic landscape, especially the accommodation, entertainment, public transportation and catering sectors of the economy. The changes will be many and varied, and some of them have the potential to cause serious negative effects, such as natural resource depletion and pollution.
The world tourism industry currently accounts for more than one tenth of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and its annual growth rate hovers around 10% per annum. Sustaining this enormous level of economic activity requires ever-increasing human resource inputs and a massive infusion of investment capital. However, as the tourism industry grows, so does its potentially negative effects, especially in developing nations.
Therefore, the expansion of tourism in developing countries like Guyana requires careful planning and handling. When there are spurts in tourism-related activities, such as the boost from CWC 2007, there must also be proportionate increases in the nation's capacity to handle all aspects of the industry's needs and impact. This covers diverse economic factors, like different consumption patterns and increased waste generation.
Around the world, tourism has caused negative effects in several eco-tourism sites, including protected areas. This is because tourist activities disrupt the flora and fauna and also generate pollution. In many cases, when land, water and air transportation increase to meet tourists' needs, there is a corresponding increase in noxious emissions. Also, tourists' activities can lead to indiscriminate disposal of garbage and sewage.
When developing nations' tourism industries expand, they require the development of infrastructure and tourist facilities. If the new infrastructure and facilities are not environmentally friendly, there could be serious negative effects on the environment and biodiversity. Increased tourism also generates lasting social effects by disrupting age-old ways of life and social conventions of communities in tourist areas.
For these reasons, it is essential that Guyana puts appropriate checks and balances in place for its tourism industry while it is still in its fledgling stage. The development of a viable tourism product with the lowest possible impact on the environment and its people requires a comprehensive, concerted effort by all stakeholders, especially tourism entrepreneurs, their associations, community representatives and government.
One important aspect of this exercise would be to ensure that the people who profit most from tourism pay their fair share of its costs. Furthermore, the assessment of costs cannot be limited to the cost of building and maintaining infrastructure and facilities. It is also necessary to cater for non-monetary costs like the impact of increased tourism on the way of life for indigenous people; the possible destruction of land, water and vegetation; and the disruption or destruction of eco-systems.
Government has to provide the strategic planning, broad policy guidelines and necessary changes in legislation to facilitate the stable growth of tourism. Industry stakeholders would have to set up and promote their tourist sites and activities within the broad guidelines set by government and adhere closely to the parameters of sound, sustainable environmental management.
This is the time to step up tourism awareness and education programmes and develop industry standards along wholesome lines. This is the time to shape, protect and nurture Guyana 's emergent tourism industry.