In today’s world where the pace of activities keeps climbing as such air transportation is assuming an ever increasing importance and relevance and therefore aviation companies are feverishly working towards greater efficiency and providing higher levels of service. The global financial crisis has certainly put many aviation companies under severe constraints but nevertheless as soon as this difficult period is over they should all return to viability.
In our country air transport is crucial because of its terrain and it is the only means by which some communities could be accessed.
On this note, air transportation is also very important to the growing tourism sector because many of the resorts are located in the interior and hinterland areas where the beauty of Guyana really lies.
In this regard it was heartening to learn that Air Services Limited (ASL) will be introducing thrice weekly flights to Mabaruma from Ogle and according to the company’s Flight Operations Superintendent, Annette Arjoon this is likely to bolster domestic tourism.
Region 1 has some of our prime tourist attractions including Shell Beach which is the home to the unique leather back turtle as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. Therefore, greater access to the region would help to boost tourist arrivals to it.
Ms. Arjoon is correct our domestic tourism needs to be stimulated because not many locals have actually travelled widely across their country and therefore are unappreciative and unaware of its beauty. Many Guyanese simply cannot afford to travel to the interior while many of those who could afford choose to spend their vacation abroad.
But very important too is that tourism will help to boost economic and commercial activities thereby creating employment for the residents of the interior where job opportunities are limited because of the relatively low level of development.
And therefore the gesture by ASL to be a driving force in domestic tourism is indeed a timely one and perhaps other local aviation companies could follow suit by offering similar services to other interior regions.
However, instead of addressing the issue of domestic tourism in a piece meal manner it might be more effective to have all the players involved in this sector to collectively work towards a comprehensive policy and strategy geared towards boosting domestic tourism which would bring immense socio-economic benefits and at the same time help to instill patriotic fervor and pride of country which today is sadly lacking among many of our citizens.

DOMESTIC tourism is likely to be bolstered by the thrice weekly flights, from Ogle, East Coast Demerara to Mabaruma, North West District, in Region One (Barima/Waini), introduced by Air Services Limited (ASL) yesterday
That view was expressed, after the inaugural took off,  by ASL Flight Operations Superintendent Mrs. Annette Arjoon.
In an invited comment, she said the North West is the new frontier for domestic tourism and, those who have seen Kaieteur Falls and the Rupununi, among other places, now have to explore there.
Costing $14,000 one way or $27,000 return, the flights – of approximately 50 minutes duration – are available on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays and persons travelling on them are required to show some form of identification for immigration purposes.
Arjoon said: “We want to be a force in driving domestic tourism and the people of Mabaruma have all the natural, wonderful assets to offer.”
According to her, Fridays and Sundays were deliberately chosen on the schedule to encourage domestic tourists by making it convenient for them.
Wondering how many Guyanese know Mabaruma, Arjoon pointed out that they can fly there Friday afternoons and return on Sunday, through the economical tour package being offered.
She said ASL has been operating in Region One for a number of years, to Port Kaituma and Matthews Ridge but saw it fit to add another destination and Mabaruma was the choice, as perfect for tourists.
Arjoon identified some of the natural attractions, including Hosororo Waterfalls, a natural source which has the potential for bottling spring water which Guyana does not have; a tour to Shell Beach and a one hour trek down a mountainside to a cave where people can actually see jaguars.
She said the cost factor does not pose a challenge to the feasibility of the venture although using aircraft is always more expensive than to travel by boat but posited that  offering the new service will also serve the people of Mabaruma.
ASL agent at Mabaruma, Mr. Sookram Totaram said the introduction was long overdue and much welcomed by the residents, to whom it is cheaper.
He said the original cost of the flight was $16,000, which is now reduced to $14,000 one way and return fares are $27,000   – which is $5,000 less.
“$2,000 or $3,000 goes a long way in this community which depends heavily on farming,” Totaram said comparing it with mining in Port Kaituma.
Regional Chairman of Region One, Mr. Fermin Singh acknowledged the competition that the new flights will pose and affirmed that it would benefit customers.
“When there is one service, they monopolise and capitalise on it, putting a strain on people,” he posited.
Singh confirmed that Mabaruma is a community dependent on basic subsistence farming and Government offices to support their income base.
In that context, he lauded the ASL initiative.