‘Tourist arrivals here continue to show a positive trend despite the global economic downturn and decline of tourism in the Caribbean…and all the flights coming into Guyana for this peak season have been fully booked, with Caribbean Airlines conducting 28 flights per week with a capacity to accommodate 154 passengers, and Delta has put on extra flights with a seating capacity of 184.’ – Minister Prashad
MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad, noting the positive trend in tourist arrivals, said that there is a need for more airlines coming to Guyana to ensure competitiveness and affordable air fares.

Speaking at a press briefing last Monday, the minister noted that tourist arrivals here continue to show a positive trend despite the global economic downturn and decline of tourism in the Caribbean.

He disclosed that all the flights coming into Guyana for this peak season have been fully booked, with Caribbean Airlines conducting 28 flights per week with a capacity to accommodate 154 passengers, and Delta has put on extra flights with a seating capacity of 184.

He also noted that there are other airlines that operate from Barbados, Trinidad, Brazil and Suriname, and the Sky Service charter that comes directly from Toronto, Canada twice a week. Sky has signalled its intention to continue throughout the year.

“So there is a need for more airlines,” he reiterated noting that ongoing discussions are going on with American Air, and the ministry is also seeking to have discussions with Jet Blue which is coming into the Caribbean now.

Jet Blue, he said, is scheduled to start a service to Barbados from October 1 at a very low introductory fare, and is already operating in Jamaica.

“Guyana is somewhere where there is a lot of opportunity for business as could be seen by Delta, which is probably the largest airline in the world,” he attested.

“Jet Blue normally offers service at a lower fare, a very competitive fare; if Jet Blue comes into Guyana we will be very happy,” Minister Prashad said.

Also, discussions are ongoing with several tour operators who want to bring charter flights here, including Mr. Robert Sarran from London who wants to conduct direct flight from Gatwick to Guyana.

He alluded to the recent meeting with Caribbean Airlines to discuss several issues, noting, “We are still speaking with them about service and prices, but we hope that we can have affordable air fares coming into Guyana.”

“There must be more competition within Guyana so that the prices can come down,” minister Prashad maintained.