– several new attractive aspects to be included
ACTING Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali said the timetable for the industry is packed, even as preparations are well under way 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. Also, there are many plans on stream for the annual No. 63 Beach Easter activities, and airlines have been asked to set special fares for the more popular seasonal events.
The increased activities planned have stemmed from the fact that February 2012 has recorded the highest number of arrivals in Guyana’s history, with a 26% increase from the previous high, while the total increase for the year to date is 19.4%.
Meanwhile, 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 hurricanes, and it is far cheaper in terms of the yachts parking here in Guyana,” the minister stated.
It is for this reason, Minister Ali noted that a marina is needed, and he 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 the Mazaruni/Bartica area are being looked at by a few potential investors, while one of them is looking at the establishment of a golf course in the Mazaruni. He is also exploring the idea of including eco lodges there.
Meanwhile, Minister Ali scoffed at the myth that Guyana cannot compete in the beach tourism industry, and that the islands have the best beaches. “Yes, they have 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 visitor. “Each beach presents a different story, presents a new opportunity to fall in love with nature,” he stated, “You can go to the Shell Beach for example, and enjoy the most beautiful camping grounds, while in the night you see the Leatherback Turtle and enjoy papaw and great walks along a beach that is covered with shells. The 63 beach offers not only the golden grained sand, but excellent camping grounds,” Minister Ali pointed out.
“Hamburg beach blends nature, the Amazon and the beach all in one. I think this is a product we will be developing.”
During the Week of Camping planned for August, while there will be activities at Splashmin’s and Shell Beach as usual, “We are going to present all the beaches of Guyana, so that families who are planning their August holidays can think about going to these beaches and experiencing the joy of camping on the most beautiful beaches in this part of the world.”

Other events
Regular annual events are still on, such as the Rockstone Fish Festival in November, the Rupununi Wildlife Festival in Annai, Caribbean & International Motor Racing, and Easter at the #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 National Stadium, Providence, in May. GuyExpo, the Moruca Expo and the Berbice Expo 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 a 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 way of life of the indigenous people, while the Orealla Regatta will promote and showcase their talent.  (GINA)