Marriott Guyana a catalyst for tourism

THE GRAND opening of the highly anticipated, internationally branded Marriott Hotel was last Thursday undertaken by Guyanese President Donald Ramotar in Georgetown, Guyana.

Ramotar, who also unveiled the hotel's plaque, was joined by several officials of the hotel, government ministers, and members of the local private sector.

While addressing the gathering, Ramotar noted that the ceremony was a historic occasion, as the Marriott Brand was world-renowned for its high class and service.

The tourism, industry and commerce minister, Irfaan Ali, noted that this investment will be a catalyst for tourism development in Guyana and that it will help to raise the profile of the destination.

He was presented with a symbolic key, along with other guests, while a message from Bill Marriott was read.

"World-class service comes from more than a building. It comes from people, our brilliant hosts," he read.

The luxury hotel boasts 197 guest rooms and suites that offer views of the ocean at every turn. Its ballroom has the capacity to accommodate between 400 to 700 persons at any time, depending on the set-up. It can also be transformed into four sections to host smaller events.

The hotel also has five boardrooms and an open-style kitchen to allow patrons to dine in the restaurant and watch their meals being prepared by expert chefs.

Its indoor gym will cater mainly for its guests, but membership will eventually be offered to the public. In addition, daily passes will also become available once the hotel is open to the public.

The nine-storey hotel is located at the mouth of the Demerara River in Kingston, Georgetown.

Guyana will also see additional major investments in tourism in the near future. These include the Cheddy Jaggan International Airport expansion, the Hospitality Institute, the Specialty Hospital, the Guyana/Suriname Bridge, the upgrading of the access road from Brazil to Georgetown and the addition of the Ramada Hotel brand, among many others.