Tourists’ arrivals increased in November – Prashad

The Tourism Ministry has said that there were record visitor arrivals here last month. Last month’s arrivals increased by 5.2 per cent over last year’s, making it another record-breaking month with the highest figures since 1995 – an overall 7.3 per cent increase in arrivals for the year to date over 2009. Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Manniram Prashad reinforced that Guyana offers a different kind of tourism – a paradise for nature, eco- and adventure lovers. 

He said Guyana’s tourism product is unique, in that it offers adventure, nature and eco-tourism; unlike our Caribbean counterparts, which offer the traditional sun, sand and sea. And in today’s world, there is a growing gravitation towards the adventure/nature/eco-type tourism, the minister noted. He said this was a plus for Guyana, which is endowed with diverse and amazing flora and fauna, and stunning landscapes. 

Prashad said, too, that Guyana boasts more than 80 per cent of untouched rainforest, making it one of the countries with the highest biodiversities in the world. He said this positive trend in arrivals shows confidence in the destination and points to the success of Guyana’s marketing and promotion by the ministry, Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and other industry stakeholders. 

He referred to the hosting of several familiarisation (FAM) trips and the maintenance of attendance at key trade shows, such as the British Bird Watching Fair. Only recently, Guyana’s largest delegation ever attended the World Travel Market, during Tourism Awareness Month in November. We have also promoted our beautiful country at the Shanghai World Expo in China – an emerging market that we are well positioned to tap into, Prashad reminded.

Prashad noted that these efforts are all market-driven and are about the most effective marketing and promoting of Guyana. He said government has been working along with the private sector players to move the industry forward, and Guyana’s tourism has “taken off”. 

He alluded to Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy championed by President Bharrat Jagdeo, who helped to place the country in the international limelight upon his receipt of the United Nations Environment Programme “Champion of the Earth” award. 

Prashad said that, today, close to 100 international companies are proactively selling Destination Guyana.

Guyana has been featured and highlighted in various popular international publications, like the Daily Telegraph, Americas Magazine, Wanderlust Magazine, Birdwatch Magazine, Travel Mail, and Lime Magazine. It has also gained tremendous exposure through shows such as the BBC’s three-part series ‘The Lost Land of the Jaguar’, popular U.S. television show ‘Reel and Birding Adventures’ and WSEE TV One Caribbean Weather. 

Next January, a BBC team will begin shooting a 10-part series called ‘Serious Explorers’, retracing the footsteps of Sir Walter Raleigh  in his search for the fabled City of Gold, El Dorado. Additionally, Red Bull Media House is producing a documentary on the famous Mount Roraima, and has already filmed a segment. The film crew will be back shortly to continue shooting the second round. 

Guyana will also be featured in a new book, called 101 Amazing Adventures of the World, by popular British film producer and creative director Russell Malkin. This is expected to be released in March/April 2011.