Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali said the timetable for the industry is packed even as preparations are well underway for the Sustainable Tourism Conference to be hosted in Guyana and many activities slated for the Easter period, both to be held in April.
Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali
Preparations are also being made for the August camping experience with the Easter holidays falling in the midst of these two events. Nevertheless, there are a lot of plans on stream for the annual Number 63 Beach Easter activities, and airlines have been asked to set special fares for the more popular seasonal events.
The increased activities planned may have stemmed from the fact that February 2012 has recorded the highest number of arrivals in Guyana’s history, with a 26 per cent increase from the previous year, while the total increase for the year to date is 19.4 per cent.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, tourism officials will meet with Essequibo tour operators to organise a “Sail Guyana” period, organised in a bid to have at least 50 yachts sailing to Guyana.
“The purpose of that is not only to have the yachts come here, but to look at encouraging the investment for the building of a marina in the Essequibo River. We are secure here from the hurricane belt, and it is far cheaper in terms of the yachts parking here in Guyana,” the minister stated.
It is for this reason, he noted that a marina is needed, and expressed the hope that the idea would stimulate interest for that investment.
Minister Ali explained that a marina would enable the successful development of a yatching industry in the near future.
Areas in Mazaruni/ Bartica are being looked at by a few potential investors, whilst one of them is looking at the establishment of a golf course in the Mazaruni. That investor is also exploring the idea of including eco-lodges and just maybe, the marina.
Meanwhile, Minister Ali scoffed at the myth that Guyana cannot compete in the beach tourism industry, and that the Caribbean has the best beaches.
“Yes, they Caribbean has the blue water and the white sand… But is the white sand and the blue water, the only true conditions that make the beach?” he questioned.
He stated confidently that with the dozens of beaches in Guyana, each one is capable of leaving its own experience on the occupier.
Regular annual events are still on such as the Rockstone Fish Festival in November, the Rupununi Wildlife Festival in Annai, Caribbean, International Motor Racing, Easter at the Number 63 Beach, among others. The Bartica Regatta and the Rupununi Rodeo along with the Linden Town Week are bound to draw crowds, as will Arrival Day at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence in May.
GuyExpo, the Moruca and Berbice expos are expected to draw investors as well as tourists.
Emancipation Day and the Lake Mainstay Regatta will see the relevant communities come alive, while the Bikers’ Fest will send young people into frenzy with superbikes and stunts.
Amerindian Heritage month and the Rupununi Exposition will also encourage tourists to come and learn of the past and current ways of life of the indigenous people, while the Orealla Regatta will promote and showcase their talent.
Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali said the timetable for the industry is packed even as preparations are well underway for the Sustainable Tourism Conference to be hosted in Guyana and many activities slated for the Easter period, both to be held in April.Preparations are also being made for the August camping experience with the Easter holidays falling in the midst of these two events. Nevertheless, there are a lot of plans on stream for the annual Number 63 Beach Easter activities, and airlines have been asked to set special fares for the more popular seasonal events.The increased activities planned may have stemmed from the fact that February 2012 has recorded the highest number of arrivals in Guyana’s history, with a 26 per cent increase from the previous year, while the total increase for the year to date is 19.4 per cent.According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, tourism officials will meet with Essequibo tour operators to organise a “Sail Guyana” period, organised in a bid to have at least 50 yachts sailing to Guyana.“The purpose of that is not only to have the yachts come here, but to look at encouraging the investment for the building of a marina in the Essequibo River. We are secure here from the hurricane belt, and it is far cheaper in terms of the yachts parking here in Guyana,” the minister stated.It is for this reason, he noted that a marina is needed, and expressed the hope that the idea would stimulate interest for that investment.Minister Ali explained that a marina would enable the successful development of a yatching industry in the near future.Areas in Mazaruni/ Bartica are being looked at by a few potential investors, whilst one of them is looking at the establishment of a golf course in the Mazaruni. That investor is also exploring the idea of including eco-lodges and just maybe, the marina.Meanwhile, Minister Ali scoffed at the myth that Guyana cannot compete in the beach tourism industry, and that the Caribbean has the best beaches.“Yes, they Caribbean has the blue water and the white sand… But is the white sand and the blue water, the only true conditions that make the beach?” he questioned.He stated confidently that with the dozens of beaches in Guyana, each one is capable of leaving its own experience on the occupier.Regular annual events are still on such as the Rockstone Fish Festival in November, the Rupununi Wildlife Festival in Annai, Caribbean, International Motor Racing, Easter at the Number 63 Beach, among others. The Bartica Regatta and the Rupununi Rodeo along with the Linden Town Week are bound to draw crowds, as will Arrival Day at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence in May.GuyExpo, the Moruca and Berbice expos are expected to draw investors as well as tourists.Emancipation Day and the Lake Mainstay Regatta will see the relevant communities come alive, while the Bikers’ Fest will send young people into frenzy with superbikes and stunts.Amerindian Heritage month and the Rupununi Exposition will also encourage tourists to come and learn of the past and current ways of life of the indigenous people, while the Orealla Regatta will promote and showcase their talent.
