Guyana is attracting increasing attention from its Dutch neighbour, Suriname, as close to 200 tourists have arrived in the country over the last few days.
Last evening another group of 40 Surinamese/Dutch guests arrived in Guyana as part of a tour group, organised by one of the Tourism Ministry’s partners, Garage Tour Company.
Whether it’s the allure of the food, festivities or simply the fascinating people, the relationship between the two South American neighbours continue to be further cemented as Guyana’s tourism product takes center stage.
A mere two days ago, a contingent of 120 Surinamese tourists, comprising of Girl Scouts and visitors arrived in Guyana and will be occupied over the next few days as they participate in scheduled tours and additional cultural activities.
They were part of an excursion organised by the Garage Tour Company of Suriname, and will be experiencing the country’s rich cultural heritage; the many historical sites in Georgetown and the Essequibo Islands, the country’s flora and fauna, the exotic cuisines, along with the pulsating nighttime entertainment.
This particular tour company, owned and operated by Mr. V Premnauth has been collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism and has been bringing over 40 visitors in Guyana on a weekly basis. Given this reality and the success of past partnerships, Guyana’s Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali has pledged to further cement this and other such relationships, to quadruple this amount by the end of the year.
With an estimated 2000 Surinamese and Dutch residents crossing Guyana’s borders on a monthly basis, packages and programmes are currently being designed, along with the private sector to increase this already impressive figure.
And with a multiplicity of events looming on the horizon, including GuyExpo 2013, Rock Stone Fish festival and Motor Racing, it is anticipated that an influx of visitors from around the world, will visit the country.
The drive to support local businesses has been strengthened by the tourism minister’s pledge to work along with the small hotels in an effort to boost occupancy. Already there have been reports of smaller establishments operating at full capacity.
Earlier last month, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) welcomed over 300 visitors from Suriname and Holland at Moleson Creek, Region Six, after they disembarked the Canawaima ferry. (GTA)
