THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) ushered in the spirit of Phagwah and Easter by welcoming visitors to Guyana with complimentary gifts and treats.Arriving passengers were presented with packets of coloured powder and sweet treats on Tuesday in celebration of the Phagwah holiday the next day and those arriving on Thursday were given kites and crossbuns in celebration of the upcoming Easter holiday.

Visitors from the U.S., Canada, Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean islands were warmly welcomed as they entered the arrival terminal by GTA staff.

According to GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh, the aim of the exercise was to spread Guyanese hospitality to the visitors.

With the country celebrating Phagwah, a major Hindu festival, and Easter, a Christian holiday in the same week, Haralsingh explained that the Tourism Authority used the opportunity to offer visitors a glimpse of multi-cultural Guyana.

“We want to share the spirit of these festivities and convey our hospitality while we celebrate several of our main festivals, which play an important part in our culture and tourism,” he said.

Visitors commended the GTA staff for the exercise, noting that it was a welcoming surprise which left them cheerful and ready to enjoy their holidays in Guyana.

The GTA is also inviting all Guyanese and visitors to come out in their numbers and participate in the Easter kite-flying celebrations across the country.

The Authority will also be hosting the annual Kite-Flying Competition at the Number 63 Beach on Easter Monday.