A TEAM looking for eco-tourism opportunities in Guyana spent two days here on a mission recently.
A release, issued after, said the Tourism Ministry, which welcomes such investments and looks to push the local tourist sector forward, made a presentation to the visitors and took the group to Arrowpoint Nature Resort, on the left bank of the Kamuni Creek, to have a first-hand look and experience nature, eco and adventure-based tourism products. The visiting delegation included Partnership Coordinator of the Clinton Foundation, Mr. Jan Hartke; Mr. Steve Fitzgerald, of Pangaea Associates and Mr. Paul Savoldelli, of Qandara Luxury Nature Travel.
They also met, on Wednesday, with Minister Manniram Prashad, who holds the Tourism, Industry and Commerce portfolio.
The foreigners were impressed with the tremendous tourism potential and what it has to offer, in terms of eco-tourism, boasting a unique and diverse product, the release said.
It added that they deal with top-end luxury travel and pointed out that eco-tourism attracts the high-end market and can help create jobs and develop the local communities.
To this end, the investors are looking at investing in luxury eco-lodges, the release said.
Pangaea Associates is a partnership established by Steve and Nicky Fitzgerald, formerly of Halcyon Hotels and CC Africa & Beyond, which was the predecessor company to Qandara, that provides a full service consultancy in the luxury travel and eco-tourism sector in both Africa and India, with specific experience in fund-raising, capital structure, soft-funding, operations, branding, sales and marketing.
Mr. Prashad told the investors that Guyana is an eco-tourist paradise and
President Bharrat Jagdeo is very passionate about climate change and protecting the environment, which fits well into eco-tourism.
He said the President’s advocacy on climate change has propelled Guyana into the international arena, including his receiving the ‘Champion of the Earth’ award by the United Nations Environment Programme.

UNIQUE PRODUCT
Prashad explained that tourism is relatively new in Guyana, which has a unique product to offer.
He said that local eco-lodges, which can, indeed, use some improvements, are being manned by the respective communities themselves, but are filled for the rest of the year.
Prashad said Guyana has got the product but needs the expertise, advice and can learn from others’ experiences.
He said Guyana is becoming known now, through excellent international public relations and attending international trade shows, such as International Trade Bourst (ITB) in Berlin, Germany; World Trade Market in London, England and Vakantiebeurs Trade Fair in Holland.
Prashad also mentioned that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is, currently, shooting a 10-part series called ‘Serious Explorers Raleigh’, retracing the footsteps of Sir Walter Raleigh who had come in search of the fabled City of Gold, El Dorado.
He said there are a whole host of new things that are waiting to be developed in the tourism sector and a lot of positive investments can take place in terms of eco-tourism, as well.