Written By Telesha Ramnarine
CABINET, last Tuesday, granted its approval for a US$80,000 contract for the procurement of a consultant to conduct a feasibility study on cruise tourism, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon announced Wednesday. 

He told the media, at his usual post-Cabinet briefing in Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, that the survey will also be on terminal development at the ports of Guyana.
Recently, the National Geographic Cruise Ship, carrying 110 international passengers, served by a crew numbering 110, paid a two-day visit to Guyana.
On hand to greet the captain, crew and passengers of the vessel, which was anchored in the Essequibo River, South of Hogg Island, was a delegation of Government and Tourism officials led by Acting Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Mr. Irfaan Ali.
On that occasion, the minister spoke of the fabled El Dorado (City of Gold) but assured that Guyana was much more than that.
Reflecting on all the positives that the country has to offer, he said Guyana has the wonderful gift of nature.
“The natural beauty that exists here is beyond any wall of gold and, just exploring Guyana, just exploring our natural beauty, just exploring the rivers, the waterfalls and the various resorts, all eco in nature, you will understand that indeed you are in a garden, a garden that has been blessed with natural beauty and adventure and I would like to welcome you here, to that garden here, in Guyana,” Ali offered.
UNIQUE BLEND

Guyana’s attractiveness is also attributed to its unique blend of culture of its six peoples, the minister pointed out.
He said:“In Guyana, we are six peoples blended together as one, six unique cultures blended together for that beautiful Guyanese culture. This is the culture we share around the world, a culture that believes strongly in peace; that believes in unity, and believes in the protection of the environment.”
Ali also sought to explain that Guyana is developing a low carbon pathway, for the reason that its Government understands the importance of its forest and greenery, not only for Guyana but for the global community.
He said that Guyana is committed to the fight against global warming and to preserving and protecting the natural environment, so that all of the world could benefit and live in a safer and cleaner environment.
Guyana’s stature as a viable tourism destination is growing and, on September 11 last, local officials welcomed the first yachting rally to Guyana. It involved five vessels which set off, on September 4, from Trinidad and Tobago and anchored sail outside Hurakabra Resort on the West Bank of the Essequibo River, before moving on September 16, to complete the final leg of the journey to French Guiana.