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Plans to promote Iwokrama locally on the way - Minister Prashad
A PROMISE was made last year for tourism to become a significant contributor
to Guyanaxs economy.
This was said by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram
Prashad at the 2008 presentation of the national budget.
The major objective of the historic round table conference -- Moving
Guyanaxs Tourism Forward, that was organised by the Ministry of Tourism,
Industry and Commerce, was to develop innovative ways to propel the countrys
tourism drive.
The conference was attended by 200 participants from all across Guyana and
resulted in a more aggressive promotional strategy of Guyana, Minister
Prashad said.
The direct result of the conference was the initiative to promote Kaieteur
National Park by making it accessible to local Guyanese.
This initiative resulted in the park seeing an increase by 64 percent in
visitor arrivals in 2007. Plans are also on the way for special incentive
package to be continued for Kaieteur National Park.
Minister Prashad noted that consultations are ongoing with the various
stakeholders to ensure that the reduced package is offered to local
Guyanese.
A similar initiative will be taken to promote the Iwokrama International
Centre.
Minister Prashad noted that, This year deliberate efforts will be taken to
market Iwokrama.
Special incentive packages will be offered by local tour operators so as to
make the visit to Iwokrama more affordable.
He further noted that a meeting will be held with the management of
Iwokrama, the local tour operators and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and
Commerce to put together an affordable package.
The construction of a new airstrip at Iwokrama will provide easier access to
the centre. However, as this is still very costly, bus tours to the centre
will be introduced so as to allow local Guyanese the opportunity to
experience the wonder of Iwokrama.
Minister Prashad also mentioned that this initiative is in keeping with
President Jagdeoxs call after the last historic round table conference for
affordable domestic tourism. The Minister stressed that this package will
only be available to local Guyanese because they would like Guyanese to see
the beauty of their country.
Iwokrama is an international centre for rainforest conservation and
development, it manages one million acres of forest in central Guyana . The
centrexs main objective is to show how tropical forests can be conserved
while sustainably being used to provide ecological, social and economic
benefits to local and international communities.
One of the major components of Iwokramaxs drive for financial self
sufficiency is eco-tourism.
Iwokrama possesses a rich biodiversity, as such it has immense ecotourism
potential. It offers visitors the opportunity of an exceptional natural and
cultural experience in the heart of Guyanaxs rainforest.
Features of Iwokrama include the only state-of-the-art canopy walkway in the
entire Guianas, birdwatching with over 500 species of birds, jungle trekking
through one of the nine designated trails, guided nature walks, nocturnal
wildlife spotting by vehicle, foot and boat, Indian island sunrise boat
ride, and coming soon the butterfly farm where visitors can enjoy a guided
tour of the farm, viewing at least ten different species, and learn the
Amerindian technique of using a bow and arrow.
A special tourism incentive package will be announced in three weeks time to
allow Guyanese the opportunity to visit Iwokrama. (GINA
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