Above: the Surama Eco-Lodge

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Guyanese tourism is no longer about attracting tourists from the US, Canada and the Caribbean, according to Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad — and the country is trying to position its market for a global audience.

Guyanese visitor arrivals were up this year compared to 2010, he said.

“We must meet and exceed our visitors’ expectations,” he said. “Excellent customer service can provide us with the competition advantage we need in this highly labour-intensive and service-oriented export industry.”

Prashad pointed to the Surama Eco-Lodge’s being awarded the Sustainable Tourism Award for 2011.

Guyana Chamber of Commerce President Komal Ramnauth told Caribbean Journal last month about the country’s growing tourism market, fueled in part by the popularity of motor racing in Guyana.