THE National Geographic Traveller – the world’s most widely read travel Magazine has added a journey to South America, and Guyana to its 50 tours of a Lifetime Visit.

With Guyana being part of its 38-day itinerary, the cruise ship the National Geographic Explorer docked in the Essequibo River yesterday, as part of a tour of eight countries.
Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Irfaan Ali, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Mr. Indranauth Haraslingh, representatives from Wilderness Explorers, the local handlers and the media paid a courtesy call on the crew and passengers yesterday.
Welcoming the guests, Ali said: “I hope that while you are here you are lucky enough to find El Dorado believed to be in Guyana …but much more than that is here. We have the wonderful gift of nature and nature’s beauty. I want to take this opportunity to welcome you to Guyana.”
The Tourism Minister invited the visitors to explore the destination’s eco-product, and by doing this, he assured that they will get a better understanding of Guyana’s “beauty and nature.”
“Just by exploring the eco-product you will understand that you are in a garden blessed with beauty and adventure,” Ali stated.
On this note, he pointed to the strides made in developing the country using the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), and spoke of the global benefits to be derived from this.
He said: “We are developing our country based on low carbon pathway. We have committed to the global community to safeguard our forests as we understand the importance of doing this and we are committed towards the fight against global warming and to preserving and protecting our natural environment for the benefit of all.”
The vessel is expected to be in Guyana for three days and while here, guests will have the chance to visit many of Guyana’s natural wonders, including the Kaieteur Falls. They will also tour the Essequibo River and the Capital City-Georgetown.
The National Geographic Explorer is said to be the finest expedition vessel on the seas, with its 148 guests and 81 crew members the focus will be on the region’s cultural heritage as well as the flora and fauna.
The passengers include a team of experts along with explorer in residence, Mr. Wade Davis and pioneering conservationist, Mr. Thomas Lovejoy.
Meanwhile, local handler, Wilderness Explorers has been working with National Geographic Explorers to arrange not only the Guyana leg of the journey but visits to Suriname and French Guiana.