Guyana launches 'Festival of Colours' to boost tourism

The government of Guyana has launched a new initiative to boost tourism by about 20 per cent.

Click this link to read more about the Holi Festival in Guyana

It's sponsoring a special package themed "Festival of Colours" from March 2 - 9, 2012 to coincide with the annual Holi/Phagwah festival, which was brought to the country in the 19th century by Indian indentured labourers.

The aim of the project is to get Guyanese living abroad to come home for the week and rediscover 'home'. It's the first of a series of tourism packages aimed at the Guyanese Diaspora.

Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali told local media, “We are targeting overseas based Guyanese directly, to come home to rediscover and enjoy the cultural activities in their home." He added that "there will be a package available for the week-long activities."

The partners in the project include the government, Trinidad & Tobago's national airline, Caribbean Airlines and local hotels. Toegther they will offer a package that includes airfare and hotel accommodation.

Ali said the packaging of activities around the rich Guyanese culture would help boost the country’s tourism industry.

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Indranauth Haralsingh, said they targeted March because of the lull in visitors during that period, which coincides with the week-long Indian festivity.

“An activity of this nature will aid the tourism sector’s objective or surpassing the tourist arrival figure for 2011,” he suggested.