Guyana to participate in Expo2020 Dubai later this year
Minister for Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond.
Kaieteur News – Labeled as ‘The World’s Greatest Show of Brightness and Human Achievement,’ the Dubai Expo2020 that is slated to open later this year will see Guyana take part. The country will participate under the theme ‘Nature’s home – The land of opportunity.’
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the expo will run for 173 days, from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, and will include food, music, technology, art, science, culture and many live events. Expo Dubai is expected to attract participants from over 200 countries and companies and over 25 million visitors. With this, Guyana will use the opportunity to market its tourism product and investment opportunities and also highlight its culture during a planned National Day.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, said the Expo presents tremendous opportunities for Guyana’s tourism product. He added, “This is a perfect, unrivaled opportunity for us to showcase Destination Guyana to the world. Millions of people will cross that location, and there is no better time to market ourselves. ”
Apart from encouraging people to visit Guyana, the Minister expressed that the Expo will also be used as an opportunity to share the investment potential within the tourism and other sectors. Walrond noted that franchises are here for several branded hotels, one of which has already started construction. “We want to see more investment, not just in tourism but in other sectors. We also want to see investment in other regions of our country. We want to let the world know they are welcome to do business here, ”he lamented.
At Expo2020 Dubai, local tourism stakeholders will meet with potential investors to build relationships with international operators, tourism marketers, media, and other participants. Several local companies are expected to attend, while others will send their products on display.
The statement further states that this is the first time at a World Expo, Guyana will manage a stand-alone pavilion. The country’s participation was funded by a US $ 1.5 million contribution from the Dubai Government, which covers the cost of the pavilion, costumes, airfare and accommodation.