News Americas, Georgetown, Guyana, Fri. Jan. 27, 2012: Guyana’s tourism ministry is hoping to attract nationals from overseas back home this year for Holi – the Festival of Colors.
Irfaan Ali, acting minister of tourism, industry and commerce, this week launched the ‘Rediscover Home’ special package for Holi in an effort to encourage Guyanese in the Diaspora to come back to their homeland and be a part of the celebrations.
This pilot package is being made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority in association with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Caribbean Airlines and participating hotels – Princess Hotel, Cara Lodge, Sleep Inn Hotels, Duke Lodge and Grand Coastal Inn.
The seven nights/eight days during March 2 to 9, 2011 dubbed ‘Gateway to the Festival of Colours celebration,’ seeks to encourage Guyanese from the Diaspora and visitors to come to ‘Destination Guyana’ and be a part of its rich culture and celebrate Holi or Phagwah.
The package includes airfare, seven night hotel accommodation, daily breakfast and entrance to all the Holi events being organized by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha during this period including its Phagwah Mela and Bazaar which includes a folk dance festival on the lawns of the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara on February 25; the finals of the Chowtaal Samalan on March 4 on the lawns of State House, Main Street, Georgetown; and on March 8 (Holi Day) its traditional Holi Utsaav at Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra, Prashad Nagar in Georgetown while there would be nationwide Holi celebrations.
The Sabha is also looking at bringing to Guyana for the first time ever, some of the stars from the popular ZEE TV Indian series.
Minister Ali said this move signals the start of collaboration between the Government and the private sector to market and promote ‘Destination Guyana’ through packaging, and it would certainly help to boost tourism and attract more persons to our beautiful country, which has a lot to offer with its ecological, nature and adventure based tourism combined with a rich culture and heritage.
For airline bookings persons can call 1-800-744-2225 or visit any Caribbean Airlines office or airport counters. They are offering a fare of US$580 return (all taxes included) from New York to Guyana and persons can also enjoy lowest fares from Trinidad. Local transportation for all the events will be provided at the low cost of US$5 per day.
Visitors would be provided with a calendar of Holi events and tour options and enjoy some of the best deals, from which they can choose from, including Roraima Tours trip to Arrowpoint Nature Resort at US$85 per person; Evengreen Adventures Essequibo River Tours at US$95 per person; and Rainforest Tours trip to the majestic Kaieteur Falls at only US$230 per person.
Persons can book with any participating hotels and enjoy very low rates: Cara Lodge – US$116 Single and US$122 Double; Duke Lodge – US$116 Single Room; Grand Coastal Inn – US$70 Single and US$99 Deluxe; Princess Hotel – US$90 Single and US$110 Double; and Sleep Inn – US$45 Single and US$60 Double. All rates are VAT Inclusive and include complimentary breakfast.
For more information, persons can visit the Guyana Tourism Authority website: www.guyana-tourism.com or Caribbean Airlines website: www.caribbean-arlines.com
