-over 140 tourists on board
Guyana’s economic development is inextricably linked to the development of the tourism industry, which Government recognises as a sector with huge potential for development. Yesterday, ‘Clelia 2’an international cruise ship on its maiden voyage, docked in Guyana yesterday with approximately 142 persons, 65 crew members and 77 passengers.
This is a collaborative effort among the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Evergreen Adventure and the Guyana National Shipping Corporation Ltd.
Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad, welcoming the visitors, said that tourism in Guyana is a high-end activity attracting the attention of international visitors.

He noted that over the last three years, cruise ships have been coming to Guyana more frequently as a number of reputable tour operators and visitors have expressed interest in Guyana’s unique tourism adventure.
“Because of our emphasis on yachts and cruise ships, and the legislation in place making Bartica a port of entry and facilitating easy clearance as it relates to customs and immigration and security via police, these cruise ships are coming more frequently,” he added.
The group of tourists who sailed through Brazil, Suriname and Guyana, is mainly interested in Guyana’s nature, culture, history and heritage.

While in Guyana, the visitors will be sight-seeing in and around Georgetown. These will include visits to the Kaieteur Falls, Canopy Walkway, Banks and art and craft stores. They will also be shopping.
The 215-square feet ‘Clelia 2’ is a newly refurbished vessel owned by Travel Dynamics International, and includes facilities such as a restaurant, two lounges, a library with internet access, state-of-the-art gym/spa, beauty salon, boutique, jacuzzi and a hospital.
Captain of ‘Clelia 2’, Phillip Dieckmann, said that he is happy to be in Guyana once again to enjoy its flora and fauna. He noted that during the crew’s two-day anchor in the Essequibo River, the visitors will be given an opportunity to see the many features of the land of many waters.
This, according to Dieckmann, augurs well for Guyana’s tourism development as well as for the management of ‘Clelia 2’.(GINA)