English tourists were yesterday offered a sneak preview of Guyana’s tourism potential following the stop over of United Kingdom-based cruise ship the Saga Pearl 2.
The vessel’s arrival on these shores was facilitated by the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC) in collaboration with tourism entity Wilderness Explorers.
According to a release from the organizers of the brief visit, “these visits gave Guyana international recognition as the ideal tourist destination in South America and the Caribbean”.
Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad, who was on hand to welcome the ship and its 352 mainly English tourists along with its 268-member crew, stated that he was happy to be involved in another milestone for the tourism sector.
He expressed hope that the visitors would have enjoyed their brief stay here and according to the organizers, the visitors were expected to tour Georgetown as well as visit the majestic Kaieteur Falls.
At yesterday’s event, which was blessed by persistent downpours, several craft booths were on display for the tourists to visit.
Captain of the Saga Pearl 2, David Owen, told the media that the ship was on a 77-day trip around the world and its voyage began in Southampton, England on January 4.
The ship’s itinerary would see it moving to various destinations within the Caribbean, including Barbados, St Maarten, St Lucia and Cuba. The ship will also make stops along several North West Atlantic ports and will later travel to parts of Europe.
Owen stated that he was on his second trip to these shores and he noted that he will ensure he returns to Guyana once the opportunity presents itself.
Several of the visitors who spoke to this newspaper stated that they joined the ship at various destinations within the region and most of them plan to spend at least one month on board the Saga Pearl.
The ship arrived here around 6:30 am yesterday from Suriname and was expected to depart last evening for Barbados where some tourists are expected to disembark before another group joins the newly, refurbished vessel as she sails around the world.
