By The Guyana National Bureau of Standards
Guyana, a member of the Caribbean Community with 18% of the worldÕs tropical forests, offers a unique blend of Caribbean hospitality and thrilling adventures in the countryÕs pristine and untouched natural landscapes. As the number of travelers to Guyana increases, the demand for lodges, hotels, bed and breakfast facilities, and other types of accommodation has grown, inspiring proprietors to establish more of such facilities.
To foster the Standardisation of the accommodation sector, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) updated its National Standard, ‘Code of Practice for Registration, Assessment, Grading, and Licensing of the Accommodation Sector,Ó in 2024. This national standard was revised to align with international requirements to boost the tourism sector in Guyana. The revision also updated the registration and licensing procedures for these facilities to promote comfort, safety, and satisfaction for travelers.
The updated National Standard, which will soon be available to hoteliers and proprietors of guesthouses, provides a guide on how to register, assess, grade, and license accommodation facilities while simultaneously improving the quality of services provided.
Accommodation plays a crucial role in shaping a travelerÕs experience. Therefore, it is essential that guests enjoy clean, well-maintained facilities, reliable amenities, and attentive service, which can significantly enhance their stay. Quality accommodation not only meets basic needs but also contributes to a sense of well-being and relaxation, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in their surroundings, thus enhancing the countryÕs overall reviews and tourism product on a global scale.
The accommodationstandard covers hotels ranging from one star to five stars. The grade of an establishment depends on three factors: its facilities, the services it provides, and an evaluation carried out by qualified inspectors of the condition and suitability of these facilities and services. The evaluation assesses the warmth of welcome, efficiency of service, quality of furnishings, fittings, dŽcor, and meals presented to a typical guest, among other key factors.
Employees of hotels and guesthouses leave a lasting impression on guests. As such, the standard outlines requirements for staff training to ensure that each employee is trained and qualified for his/her intended role. This can be achieved through on-the-job training, field experience, academic training related to the intended field of work, and practical internships.
Furthermore, specific profiles related to particular tasks may be developed by accredited staff, and a training programme should be designed, implemented, and periodically reviewed to improve staff competence. In relation to staff responsible for the quality of guest service, it is essential that they are polite, courteous, clean, tidy, well-groomed, identifiable, provide prompt service, and are aware of emergency procedures, among other necessities.
Consistent adherence to these requirements helps build trust and encourages repeat visits, ultimately fostering a positive reputation for the destination and its hospitality industry. Conformance to the standard can also help providers to address requirements for food and beverage storage, preparation and service, disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, general hygiene in establishments, building and environmental requirements, room requirements, legal requirements, and licensing.Regarding licensing, operators of these facilities are required to apply for a license to operate and subsequent renewals.
In addition to this standard for the accommodation sector, the GNBS also has other standards related to the tourism sector. These include the Code of Practice for Tour Operators and Tour Guides, Code of Practice for Quality Management in Restaurant Service, Sustainable Tourism Ð Environmental Management Systems Ð Requirements, and Requirements for Bed and Breakfast Facilities.
Based on the National Standard GYS 514:2022 ‘Requirements for Bed and Breakfast Facilities,Ó the GNBS also certifies to bed and breakfast facilities. Facilities certified under this programme are classified as either A or B category.
To learn more, call the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064 or 219-0065, or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org. You can also WhatsApp us on +592 692 4627 (GNBS)