Guyana was introduced as a sailing destination on Tuesday evening when dozens of yachters from across the world flocked to the Lure Restaurant in Chaguaramas in Trinidad.
During the two-hour event dubbed ‘Sail Guyana’ Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority Indranauth Haralsingh, Kit Nascimento and expert yachtsman and author Chris Doyle regaled the gathering on all the reasons to choose Guyana as their yachting destination, particularly along the Essequibo River, a news release from the Guyana Tourism Authority stated.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, Ramesh Ghir was also a part of the delegation.
Those visiting Guyana will be able to moor at the town of Bartica in the Essequibo, home to more than 10,000 persons, the release said.
Ali explained that while the country possesses the “raw tourism product that is nature-based” for an ideal yachting location, there is quite a lot left to be done to strengthen the systems to facilitate this.
He also pledged to work along with those interested to ensure that their experience and stay would be a pleasant one.
Ali then announced that many of the fees imposed on the yachters (anchorage, harbour master, etc.) will be forfeited to facilitate the influx of visitors.
The minister is also quoted as saying: “We are in the process of developing tourism packages that will link the Guianas. In addition, we have direct flights from Baganara in the Essequibo to Kaieteur Falls, Iwokrama’s Canopy Walkway and Orinduik Falls…”
Following the presentations, there were expressions of interest from several individuals, not only in the destination but in the opportunities to invest in the promotion of the yachting industry in Guyana, the release concluded.
