The Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana

 

WHAT IS THAG?
THAG is a member of the Private Sector Commission. It is an umbrella body of all Tourism related entities. Members include hoteliers, resort owners, tour operators, travel agents, restaurants, jewellery and craft shops, transportation services among others. This association was formed twelve years ago by a small group of five persons. THAG is also a member of the Caribbean Hotel Association.

HISTORY
The association was established in January 1991 by a number of persons working in the tourism industry. Initially called the Tourism association of Guyana (TAG), its main aim was to lobby the Government of Guyana to create a Tourism Board as a legal entity. Early 1999, TAG evolved into The Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) in recognition of the magnitude of the industry.

THAG has steadily pursued partnership with the Government in developing and expanding the many aspects of the tourism industry, the generic marketing, as well as positioning individual members locally, regionally and internationally, and in introducing and maintaining the highest standards with operators in the industry.

OBJECTIVES
— To foster both foreign and local goodwill toward the tourism industry.
— To market the tourism product of the country locally, regionally and internationally.
— To work with government to establish and maintain standards for the industry.
— To promote legislation that will benefit, improve and expand the tourism industry in Guyana.

MEMBERS & STAFF
The Association boasts a current membership of over 65 establishments, which include hotels, tour operators, resort owners, restaurants owners, local and international airlines, nightclubs, the entertainment industry, the taxi association and advertising agencies.
THAG is headed by an Executive Board comprising of a President, a Vice President, a Treasurer and two Executive Committee Members. The Immediate Past President also sits on the board. THAG’s Secretariat is headed by an Executive Director/Secretary who is responsible for the day to day management of the Association, sits on the board of various committees, and organizes and participates in trade shows locally and overseas. THAG’s permanent staff also includes an Executive officer who is responsible for the distribution of the visitors guide magazine Explore Guyana and an Office Assistant.

FUTURE PLANS
THAG and the Government of Guyana (GOG), and its Ministry of Tourism, Industry & Commerce, have today built a strong alliance to promote and develop Guyana’s many natural and cultural attributes as a tourism destination.
An effective THAG/GOG working relationship has been achieved, which is expanding industry momentum and awareness across Guyana. THAG fully intends to continue nurturing its alliance with the Government.