15 new experiential products to boost Guyana’s tourism sector

Coinciding with World Tourism Day, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Wednesday launched 15 new experiential tourism products to respond to the changing landscape and demands for tourism, as the country undergoes rapid transformation.
Eight of the ten administrative regions are represented in these new products, which have been developed not just with the communities they involve, but also the private sector.
During the launch at Bookland Gardens on Woolford Avenue, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond explained that this year’s theme for World Tourism Day, “Tourism and green investments”, speaks to investing in people, the planet and prosperity – areas the products touch on.

“The theme encapsulates the essence of our vision for the future of tourism in Guyana, and resonates with the Government’s dedication to sustainable development, as reflected in our Low Carbon Development Strategy. And it all ties into our products – our tourism products hit on all three of those markers,” Walrond said.
The minister noted that these new products will have tremendous trickle-down benefits within the economy.
“Tourism is a priority sector for the Government, and you see that in the tangible investments that we make in terms of money into the tourism sector. And it should not be taken for granted, as we can see…there are hundreds of people that are going to be employed in communities impacted directly by tourism and visitors’ dollars,” Walrond said.

Of the 15 newly launched products is Life on the River, an initiative brought forth by Shivana Gulchand of Touring Guyana.
“This experience takes you along the riverine communities of Pomeroon and Moruka. Here, persons will get to experience the way of life in these communities, such as going to your neighbour with a boat, or kids paddling to school,” Gulchand said.
“Our journey begins by crossing many rivers. We depart from Georgetown and we have to cross Demerara River, the Essequibo River, the Pomeroon River, onto the Atlantic Ocean and into the Moruka River,” Gulchand said.
Within this all-inclusive three-day trip, travellers can enjoy activities including bird watching, nature walks, canoeing, cycling and swimming. The first tour is from November 11-13.
Meanwhile, Romain Persaud of Eco Destination Tours expanded on the newly launched Essequibo Weekend Getaway.
“We took four aspects of wellness and we put them together into a three nights-two days’ experience of yoga, massages, nature and great food. We call it the Essequibo Weekend Getaway,” Persaud said.
“However, this experience is not for everyone. The experience is specifically designed for those who need a break from their busy life, those who need to renew their relationships, and for businesses looking to boost their employee productivity,” Persaud added.
As such, prices are offered in the three categories of individual packages, couple packages and company or group packages.
In addition to these two products, other new experiences travellers can enjoy are: Backdam and Bushcook Tour, also offered by Touring Guyana; Bartica Resort-Hopping, also offered by Eco Destination Tours; Pakuri Fin & Feather Adventures by Bimichi Eco Lodge; Yarrowkabra Dream ATV Tour by Savannah Tours Guyana; Moraikobai Overnight by Epic Tours; and Escape to Mahaica by Mahaica River Tours.
Meanwhile, Iwokrama Tours is offering a Yogic Medication Package, IRL Rapid Cat Run, and Essequibo Reel and Turtle Mountain/Turu Falls Hiking Excursion.
On the other hand, Rupununi Adventures is presenting travellers with the opportunity to partake in Manari Kayaking and Paddle Boarding, as well as Lethem Bar Crawl.
Paruima Village is offering a Paruima Village Tour, while Nappi Village is offering a Nappi Reservoir Tour. (G13)