“Guyanese and visitors welcomed with sweet treats”

– Collaborative effort to develop tourism

DPI, Guyana, Saturday, December 22, 2018

Sweet treats and a warm Guyanese welcome met visitors arriving at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Saturday morning.

As the passengers disembarked the flight and made their way to Immigration, they were welcomed with warm bright smiles, black cake and beverages, ranging from ginger beer to fruit juices and even energy drinks.

The taste of the traditional Guyanese black cake no doubt left both returning Guyanese and visitors alike with a sweet taste in their mouths.

Those who spoke with us said they were pleasantly surprised, but were equally appreciative of the initiative.

Some of the passengers remarked that the welcome was a surprise they truly appreciated. Another noted that the new airport facilities were a vast improvement from previous years. While generally many agreed that it was good to be back home – “the best place to be for the Christmas holidays.”

Passenger arriving

CJIA staff preparing the snack for incoming passengers

A visitor being treated to a refreshing beverage

Passenger arriving

Another arriving passenger being offered a local beverage

Steel Pan soloist –‘Ras Camo’ Williams serenading visitors as the arrive at the CJIA

Passenger utilizing the new baggage facilities at the CJIA

This initiative is a collaboration between Digicel Guyana, Ansa McAl and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

Representative of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport., Paul Dwarka, says although an official count has not yet been conducted, arrival figures have increased compared to last year.

“The number of passengers coming in has surged due to the increase in flights” … more flights, more passengers, all incoming flights have been full,” Dwarka said.

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has also been instrumental in the hosting of the meet and greet at the main airport and other ports of entry in Guyana.  Over the past week several teams have fanned out across the country to welcome visitors in true Guyanese fashion, and to spread Christmas cheer, these ports also include Moleson Creek Crossing and the Ogle International Airport.

The body believes this exercise of spreading cheer during the festive season helps to promote Guyana’s tourism in the area of hospitality.

Throughout the calendar year, the GTA conducts similar exercises for national holidays.

Felecia Valenzuela

Images: Akeem Thomas