GUYANA is attracting increasing attention from its Dutch neighbour, Suriname, as close to 200 tourists arrived here over the last few days.

Last evening another group of 40 Surinamese/Dutch guests arrived in Guyana as part of a tour group organised by one of the Tourism Ministry’s partners, Garage Tour Company, according to Head of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Indranauth Haralsingh.
Whether it’s the allure of the food, festivities or simply the fascinating people, the relationship between the two South American neighbours continues to be further cemented as Guyana’s tourism product takes centre stage.
A mere two days ago, a contingent of 120 Surinamese tourists, comprising Girl Scouts and visitors arrived in Guyana and they will be busy over the next few days on scheduled tours and additional cultural activities.
They also were part of an  excursion organised by the Garage Tour Company of Suriname and will be experiencing Guyana’s rich cultural heritage, the many historical sites in Georgetown and the Essequibo Islands, the country’s flora and fauna and the exotic cuisines, along with the pulsating night time entertainment.
This particular tour company, owned and operated by Mr. V. Prmnauth has been collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism and has been bringing over 40 visitors to Guyana on a weekly basis.
And given this reality and the success of past partnerships, Guyana’s Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali has pledged to further enhance this and other such relationships to quadruple this number by the end of the year.
With an estimated 2000 Surinamese and Dutch residents crossing Guyana’s borders on a monthly basis, packages and programmes are currently being designed in collaboration with the private sector to increase this already impressive figure.
And with a multiplicity of events looming, including GuyExpo 2013,the Rock Stone Fish Festival and Motor Racing, it is anticipated that an influx of visitors from around the world will be arriving here, bringing not only benefits for the country but also for every Guyanese in terms of revenue generated from transportation, fuel, hotels, restaurants and generated sales and other services.
The drive to support local businesses has been strengthened by the Tourism Minister’s pledge to work along with the small hotels in an effort to boost occupancy, and already there have been reports of smaller establishments operating at full capacity.
Earlier last month, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) welcomed over 300 visitors from Suriname and Holland at Moleson Creek, Region 6, after they had disembarked the Canawaima ferry.
This influx of visitors is considered healthy for Guyana’s tourism as the sector continues to grow and as guests continue to visit; this destination continues to gain international and regional acclaim for its enticing and exhilarating tourism product.