T&T visitors to promote Guyana as paradise discovered
GUYANA is “paradise discovered” as people are becoming more and more aware of the country and the unique tourism experience it offers.
That is the collective impression of a visiting group from Trinidad and Tobago, who were here, recently, on a familiarisation (FAM) tour.
They were given the opportunity to share their experiences during a media briefing and cocktail reception, hosted in their honour Monday evening, at Grand Coastal Inn, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara. Evergreen Adventures organised the function, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and other stakeholders in the local industry, to promote and market the country’s tourism product.
The Trinidadian group of ten, most of whom were on their first visit here, represented various media entities and tour operators in the twin-island republic, including Gadeb Communications, Classic Tours Tobago, Newsday, Reuters, Mirror, Express and Guardian newspapers and Guyelle the Channel.
During their five-day stay, from April 8 to 12, the contingent was able to explore and experience Guyana, its rich biodiversity, breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, at Annai, Rockview Lodge, Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve, Atta Lodge, Kaieteur Falls, Baganara Island Resort, Hurakabra River Resort and Bartica.
GTA Director, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh encouraged other tour operators to recognise the benefits of such an undertaking spearheaded by Evergreen Adventures.
“These trips are critical to developing, promoting and marketing our destination and it has proven very effective in helping to expand our sales and distribution network,” he reported.

EXCELLENT COVERAGE
Haralsingh pointed out that the target group for the just completed FAM trip would ensure that this country receives excellent coverage of its eco, nature and adventure potential in addition to spreading awareness about Guyana to Trinidadians and Tobagonians.
Evergreen Operations Manager, Mr. Abdoul Ba, said the idea behind the FAM tour was to showcase the local tourism product to the visitors, who would, in turn, promote the destination in their homeland.
Sharing his impression, Features Editor of the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, Mr. Peter Ray Blood, agreed that this country has tremendous potential, with its vast array of attractions.
“Guyana is, indeed, the best kept secret in the world and it is my hope that efforts would be made to sustain a marketing strategy that exposes the Guyana tourism product to the Trinidad and Tobago market,” he said.
Vice-President, Marketing of Gadeb Communications, Mr. Gary Cardinez, concurred that Guyana possesses amazing potential and represents paradise found.
“Talking to the indigenous people was fantastic for me. It was too short a time but I was amazed the most by the canopy walkway,” he confessed.
Co-Founder of Guyelle Channel, Mr. Errol Fabien, declared the visit was a sure way to promote and develop tourism in this country.
He announced that he would be airing clips of the trip on his television station as soon as he returns to Trinidad, to share the unique experience.
“You will, definitely, get the best value for your money if you come to Guyana,” Fabien declared.
This was the second FAM tour for 2011. From January 30  to February 9, a group from the United States (U.S.), comprising five tour operators and four travel writers, was in Guyana, on a similar trip arranged by Guyana Sustainable Tourism Initiative (GSTI), a joint project of GTA and the United States Agency for International Development/Guyana Trade and Investment Support (USAID/GTIS).