A grand Guyanese Christmas welcome awaited more than 500 passengers arriving at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), early yesterday morning.With a dancing Santa, and the sounds of a one-man band to guide their way,visitors were given the traditional black cake, compliments of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Ministry of Tourism, the National Milling Company (NAMILCO) and Global Marketing Agency.

“Wow what’s this? Black cake! Now I feel as if I am home,” exclaimed one passenger as she was presented with the goodies.

In keeping with the holiday tradition, several other companies, including Beharry and Banks DIH and the CJIA also distributed beverages and sweets to the passengers as they entered the airport.

Despite the hassle of travelling, smiles and happy grins lit the faces of the passengers as they were warmly welcomed at the immigration area.

This welcoming activity, which culminated yesterday, formed part of the Tourism Ministry calendar of activities which is staged annually.

“This is part of our annual calendar of events and we also organise similar events for Emancipation, Diwali, and other national holidays. Visitors and returning Guyanese are given a taste of our Guyanese culture,” explained the GTA Director, Indranauth Haralsingh.