Youth, technology in focus as Guyana hosts regional tourism conference

Youth in tourism, technology and innovation will take centre stage as Guyana hosts the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC).

The conference will also give young people a platform to share their ideas on the future of tourism.

In an interview with the News Room on Tuesday, Caribbean Tourism Organization’s representative Nicholas Scott said the next generation will have to build on the work already being done.

“We’re going to be the one who has to really develop it. Yes, the work is being done, but whatever is being made now, we’re gonna have to take it from here,” Scott said.

Guyana will host the leaders in regional tourism when the conference takes shape from October 5-9, at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Kingston, Georgetown. It is being held under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive.”

Scott, who focuses on tourism education and awareness at the CTO, said the conference’s Innovation Hub will examine how technology can support the industry.

Scott said the discussion should go beyond artificial intelligence.

“When you hear technology, the first thing your mind goes with is AI, but that’s not the only thing. We have our Tourism Research Forum, there’s so much information that you could look into. This is the proof in the pudding,” Scott said.

Scott said tourism relies on data and now destinations can include digital mapping and immersive experiences. He said World Travel and Google Street View are among those expected to showcase technology that can map destinations and trails. These are the technologies that can guide Guyana and other Caribbean countries.

“It might get persons to also come to the Caribbean. Like, I saw it online. I saw it on my tablet. I know I really want to go and experience it first-hand. “It’s going to be technology working hand in hand with the existing tourism products,” he said.

For Guyana, the conference comes as the country continues to record growth in visitor arrivals with 271,500 visitors recorded between January and July this year. Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues said the real measure of SOTIC’s success will come after the conference ends. She said the conference should lead to new partnerships, investment opportunities and air connectivity will also be a major part of those discussions.

“If you don’t have connectivity, particularly here connecting people, not being able to access those destinations that have frequent flyers to Guyana.”

“We expect to sit with our regional partners, see where the gaps are,” she said.

The minister said Indigenous tourism, nature-based tourism and cultural heritage will be key parts of destination Guyana offerings. The conference will therefore be more than a discussion on tourism trends, offering information, new ideas and improved collaboration.

Register now: https://sotic.onecaribbean.org/