–Govt. looking at having a marina, like Trinidad
AS visitor arrivals continue to show a positive trend, efforts are being made to further diversify Guyana’s tourism product. Speaking at the launching of the tenth annual Pakaraima Mountain Safari, last Monday, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister (ag) Irfaan Ali, said, “We have recorded our highest arrivals in the history of Guyana in February.”  He disclosed that there has been, “a 26 percent change from our previous highest figure, and the average change so far for the year is 19.4 per cent increase in arrivals.”
Noting that the safari fits broadly into what is being planned for the tourism sector of Guyana, Minister Ali said, “We are planning to have critical public/private sector partnership to ensure that Guyana’s tourism product becomes a dominant product when it comes to adventure tourism, eco tourism, and even beach tourism.”
The minister noted: “There is a myth that we can’t compete in the beach tourism industry, and the Caribbean has the best beach. Yes, the Caribbean has the blue water and the white sand, but is that a beach? (Are) the white sand and blue water the only two conditions that make the beach what a beach is supposed to be?” he questioned, pointing out that Guyana has dozens of beaches “each of which would leave its own experience on the occupier”.
“Each beach presents a different story; each beach presents newer opportunity to fall in love with nature,” he insisted, mentioning Shell Beach in Region 1, where one can enjoy the beautiful camping ground while spotting the Leatherback Turtle at night; the Number 63 Beach in Berbice, which offers not only the golden grains of sand but excellent camping ground; and the Hamburg Beach on Tiger Island along the Essequibo River, which offers a blend of nature and beach.
He said camping is a product that Government wants to develop, and, to this end, the Ministry of Tourism is planning to have a week of camping, come August.
“We are going to present all the beaches of Guyana, so that families who are planning their August holidays can think about going to these beaches and experience the greatness of camping on the most beautiful beaches in this part of the world,” he iterated.
“That is another area that we want to target, that we want to open up,” the Acting Tourism Minister reiterated.
He deemed this year a hectic one for the tourism sector, reminding that Guyana would be hosting the 13th annual Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC-13) from April 15-18.
He said that for the upcoming Easter, lots of plans are in place for the activity at Number 63 Beach, and government has asked the airlines to put on special fares during this season.
The minister said Government was also looking to have a “Sail Guyana” activity during this year, and was hoping to have at least 50 yachts sailing to Guyana.
“Our whole purpose for that is not only to have the yachts come here, but to look at encouraging investment for the building of a marina in the Essequibo River,” Minister Ali pointed out.
“You know, we are secure here from the hurricane belt, and it is far cheaper in terms of the yachts parking here in Guyana. What we need is a marina, just like Trinidad (has), and we are hoping that we can stimulate this interest for that investment, so that we can have the marina and we can have a yachting industry developed substantially in the near future,” he said.