MR SYED Rayman, Canadian Travel Agent, proprietor of Roraima Travel Services, and organiser of the Familiarisation Tour (FAM Tour), arranged an all-inclusive tour for thirty-five (35) persons to visit Guyana.

Five Britons, four Americans and twenty-six Canadians came on the trip. Their visit will last for sixteen days.

While here, the group is expected to visit the Kaieteur National Park, and Baganara Island Resort, Arrow Point, Rock View and Surama, besides the attractions in Georgetown. They will also make day trips to Berbice and Essequibo.

At a ‘Breakfast Meet’ hosted by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) at Rahaman’s Park in Georgetown, Mr Rayman had this to say: “The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has outdone (itself) to make us feel welcome”.

Mr Rayman explained that the initiative to visit Guyana was developed as a result of sessions organised and executed by interested persons who wanted to travel from Canada to Guyana for reunions and familiarisation trips, and to learn about their Guyanese heritage.

He explained that through visits made by GTA representatives, persons became interested in coming to Guyana. After many members of the group had researched Guyana, the planning of activities began.
GTA Director Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh welcomed the group to Guyana, and extended greetings on behalf of Tourism Minister (ag) Mr Irfaan Ali. He detailed the activities planned for the next few weeks, and expressed hope that the group would be able to participate in a few.

After speaking to a number of the visitors, it was gathered that the welcome they had received was unexpected, and they applauded the efforts and indicated that their breakfast was fantastic.

Mrs Jeanette Gomes, a Guyanese-born Canadian, said: “This is my first trip to Guyana since 1978, and so much has changed, (there is) so much development, I will definitely let my other friends know; and I am taking a lot of pictures to show them”.

Mr. Rayman has been working with the Guyana Tourism Authority since November 2012 to organise a familiarisation tour to Guyana for both Guyanese and Canadians.
By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally