DESTINATION Guyana continues to attract tourists from around the world, and has already recorded an 11.5% increase for the first half of the year, heading for a larger increase this year. The figure was further boosted on Thursday when the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) welcomed over 300 Dutch visitors from Suriname and Holland at Moleson Creek after they disembarked the Canawaima ferry that services the Guyana/Suriname route.

These tourists were scheduled to stay for three days. They said they were looking forward to experiencing the country’s rich cultural heritage; the many historical sites in Georgetown and the Essequibo islands, the country’s flora and fauna, the exotic cuisines, and entertainment, among others.
This trip was organised by the Garage Tour Company of Suriname, which has been collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism and has been bringing over 40 visitors in Guyana on a weekly basis.
GTA Director, Indranauth Haralsingh was at Moleson Creek, Region 6, to welcome the tourists. “This does not only bring economic development to Georgetown, but the Corentyne and then you can see that area being a hub for influx of tourists.” He also highlighted the resuscitation of the Number 63 beach on which a lot of work is being done to enhance its surroundings.
“We know what that means… this is the peak season for tourism,” he said.
The GTA will also be capturing crossings from the Lethem border, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the Ogle Airport in order to have a better picture of the number of visitors to Guyana.
“Immediately one can see the economic benefits and the spin offs,” Haralsingh pointed out, not only for Guyana, but Guyanese as a whole in terms of transportation, fuel, hotels and stores whose sales will be boosted.
“And so when they shop in Georgetown, when they stay and dine and travel it is bringing a lot benefits to all Guyanese,” he said.
Haralsingh stated that GTA is looking forward to continue fostering the partnership between Guyana and Suriname so as to ensure there is a consistent flow of tourists in the country.
The tour company will also be bringing a large contingent on August 24 for the R Kelly Show at the Jamzone summer break international night.
Both government and the private sector have been collaborating to promote Destination Guyana, and Haralsingh said that this has resulted in many persons wanting to visit the country to experience what the South American country has to offer.
This is considered healthy for Guyana’s tourism as the sector continues to grow, as visitors continue to visit, and as Guyana continues to do well at the international and regional levels.
Additionally, GTA is working with Suriname at the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO) level to establish a tourism manual among Guyana, Suriname and Brazil to promote cross- border and multi -destination tourism.
Suriname is close to Guyana, and is a key partner and through ACTO, a Caribbean tourism trail of which Suriname and Brazil are partners with Guyana has been established.
Meanwhile,the GTA also welcomed a team on that same day from three communities in Berbice who came from New York to conduct community works in their respective communities.
Visitor arrivals have been increasing significantly in Guyana over the last decade. Last year, there was a recorded figure of over 175,000 visitors compared to 10 years ago when it was just 70,000-80,000.(GINA)