The Vista Mar cruise ship docked at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation’s (GNSC’s) wharf yesterday, amidst steelpan music as German tourists enjoyed the view of the Georgetown skyline and cheered appreciatively from all decks. The four-deck ship has a carrying capacity of 400, and 241 vacationers were on board. Government has been facilitating an enhanced environment, and has been marketing the country as a destination of choice or transit point, offering a unique brand of pollution-free tourism.
The GNSC wharf is fast becoming a popular dock with the Logos II having docked at that location in 2009. More tour operators are independently bringing in cruises to Guyana.
The Vista Mar was brought to Guyana by Dagron Tours, located on Main Street.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad said that the  Ministry’s officials have been attending the World Trade Market and the ITB in Berlin, the largest trade show in the world, to market Guyana and this has led to the cruise ships coming in.
Minister Prashad said that his ministry would like to see more vessels arriving here. There are about five other cruise ships lined up for the rest of the year.
Guyana’s aggressive marketing is also resulting in other areas of the country being opened up. Yachts are now a regular part of the scene on  the Essequibo River.
The opening up of the tourism sector means that there will be more employment opportunities; there would be spin-off benefits for taxis and local tour operators.
Ann Hamilton, General Manager of Dagron Tours, stated that the marketing of Guyana is being communicated across cruise lines and among tourists in Europe as many people are looking for new destinations.
Hamilton indicated that her organization has always sought to increase client base and bring tourists to Guyana. She hopes to bring another ship next year.
The tourists will be engaged in a tour of Georgetown and a trip to the Kaieteur Falls today.
The cruise ship will be moving on to Tobago and Grenada and will conclude its journey in Martinique.
The tour originated in Manaus, Brazil, and will be sailing for 12 days, to conclude on March 16.
During a special toast, the Minister formally recognized the efforts of Dagron Tours, welcomed the captain, members of the crew and tourists and noted the efforts of the management and staff of the GNSC wharf.
The captain, Antonio Mattera, noted that the Italian vessel is sailing to South America, to the Caribbean and back to the Mediterranean.
The captain indicated that it was his first time in Guyana and looks forward to returning.
Last year the ‘Spirit of Adventure’, docked in Guyana with 203 passengers for a one day visit. (GINA)