Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes today told
local drone operators that their participation in the tourism industry
is pivotal to both the sector and the development of Guyana.
Addressing the opening of an expo highlighting the use of drones in
tourism at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Minister Hughes said
the partnership between the tourism industry and technology has long
been a “foregone conclusion.” According to her, in any part of the
world where tourism is either developed or is developing, it is done
using technology.
“Technology in tourism is inevitable. Drones and tourism marketing in
today’s hi-tech world… in this digital era, you cannot have one
without the other.”
As a former Minister of Tourism, Minister Hughes said Guyana has been
using the drone technology for a number of years in tourism,
agriculture, housing and other sectors.
“Our tourism industry is benefitting from drone-assisted photography
and videography that provides a bird’s eye view, beckoning all our
citizens and visitors alike to come and enjoy, discover this beautiful
country,” she told the expo.
The Guyana Drone Operator Association was established to provide key
information to local drone operators. President of the association
Lancelot Khan said the drone is a technology that has been growing
rapidly over the years.
Khan said Guyana has embraced the use of drones and while there is the
need for protocols to protect all, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority
has been working with the drone association to create a glitch-free
environment for drone operators.
Director General of Guyana Civil Aviation Authority Lieutenant
Colonel(ret’d) Egbert Field noted that “drones are here to stay”
“The drone technology entered into the aviation industry and is not
just to be used as a toy, but also for commercial activities,”. Field
said drone technology has advanced so much, it has been immersed in
the aviation industry. According to the Aviation DG, there is enough
room for the drone technology to boost tourism in Guyana.
“Let us concentrate on what we can do with drones in a productive and
commercial fashion.” He too called on the “technologically savvy”
youth to make the industry into something worthwhile.
The drone and tourism expo forms part of activities to celebrate
Tourism Awareness month being observed this November.
