Guyana has the best fusion of six different cultures and some of the most outstanding eco-tourism products available, acting Minister of Tourism, Iriffan Ali, stated in a recent exclusive interview with Caribbean Life at the Guyana booth at Grand Central Station during Caribbean Heritage Week.
The minister was on tourism blitz to promote his “Rediscover Home” campaign, and to lure nationals back home. He portrayed Guyana as a country that has undergone a mass transformation and was now ready to welcome one and all to its shores.
“We want to changed the minds of Guyanese who have misguided perceptions that Guyana is the same as it was 30 years ago, said Ali.
The republic has been ranked by various international tourist guides as a top destination for adventure, Ali said, placing nature tourism, yachting and Amazon adventure at the top of the list, when he unveiled ‘Rediscover Home” recently in Guyana and in Trinidad and Tobago, where more than 125 yachters attended the tourism initiative.
‘We don’t offer the traditional white, sandy beaches and blue waters, Ali said. Instead, he continued, “our ountry has a comprehensive sustainable product that portrays beauty, nature and adventure, all fused with the best culture and cuisine.
“I specifically want to appeal to our brothers and sisters outside of Guyana to visit their homeland,” he urged. “We are negotiating reduced airfares as part of the campaign that will come under an all-inclusive package deal.
Ali listed festivals like Phagwah, Mashramni, Easter, Diwali, August Jam Zone international showcase, and heritage sights as some of the attractions to enjoy while in Guyana.
Bird watching which has become Guyana’s recent tourist draw will give visitors a “bird’s eye view” at one of the most beautiful sanctuaries with some 360 species of birds, found anywhere in the region.
“Having visitors see Guyana the way they have never seen it before is part of the wider tourism product said Ali who encourage Guyanese to choose their homeland as their vacation destination.
Ali added that Guyana’s geographic located in South America is a gateway to Brazil and Suriname. “Tourists can fly to Guyana, and drive to our two neighboring counties for a diverse and exciting vacation.
The minister hailed the 23% increase rise in arrivals to Guyana as encouraging this year, despite the economic conditions that are being felt in other countries, but looks forward to “welcoming more of our citizens home” he said.
For more information log on to www.guyana-tourism.com
