-dubbed “the best kept secret in South America”

THE prestigious, National Geographic Traveler magazine has listed Guyana among 21must see destinations to visit in 2014, alongside other recognised places such as the Nahanni National Park of Canada and the Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA.

A press release issued in Washington on Thursday listed the other destinations as Alentejo, Portugal; Arbil, Iraq; Bolaven Plateau, Laos; Cacao Trail, Ecuador; Cape Verde; Cathar Country, France; Córdoba, Argentina; Derawan Islands, Indonesia; John Muir Trail, Scotland; Liechtenstein; New Orleans, Louisiana; Northern Territory, Australia; Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda; Puglia, Italy; Ranthambore National Park, India; Riga, Latvia; Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sochi, Russia
The lineup was largely selected by the magazine’s global community of writers, editors and explorers and reflects what is authentic, culturally rich, sustainably minded and, superlative in the world of travel today.
Guyana was dubbed as “the best kept secret in South America” and as ideal for visiting during the January to early April (dry season,) when low water levels draw animals to ponds and rivers.

It identified the Surama Village Eco-Lodge in the North Rupununi and  the  Iwokrama River Lodge as the ideal places to stay and pepper pot and  pholourie as the things to eat and  a cold glass of homemade mauby, sorrel and ginger beer as beverages. A visit to Kaieteur Falls is also highlighted as a must.
Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in Guyana; there are increased arrivals as Destination Guyana continues to reach more persons through highlights in magazines, advertisements during major sport initiatives such as the Indian Premier League and Caribbean Premier League, and through word of mouth from visitors who would have experienced the wonders of Guyana.
National Geographic Travel is the travel arm of the National Geographic Society, one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organisations, founded in 1888. It creates meaningful and engaging travel content and experiences through National Geographic Traveler magazine; National Geographic Expeditions; travel books; maps; apps; digital media; and travel photography programmes. National Geographic Traveler (eight issues per year) is the world’s most widely read travel magazine and has 14 international editions.

(GINA)