Air Services Ltd (ASL) has launched a package tour to Kaieteur Falls described as affordable for locals and aimed at promoting more awareness of the world-famous site while serving as a catalyst to propel the tourist industry.

There to witness the launching on Tuesday were Prime Minister Sam Hinds, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manzoor Nadir, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues, and Minister of Local Government Harripersaud Nokta.

Tourists could now fly with ASL to Kaieteur Falls at a cost of US$99, refreshments inclusive. Special arrangements are available for residents of Essequibo Coast and Berbice.

Managing director of ASL, Mazahar Ally, pledged the company's commitment to working towards achieving the objective of a vibrant tourism industry in Guyana.

Ally disclosed that the company had also just concluded arrangements for a similar service to Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) under terms and conditions as attractive as the Kaieteur package.

"I venture to say that once this initial step is consolidated Air Services Ltd would consider it a duty to promote the extension of like facilities to other exotic locations of our pristine interior," he said.

Ally expressed appreciation to the government for its promotion of the tourism industry, which he said would go a far way in providing economic well-being, inducing young people to learn more of Guyana, and pioneering development away from the crowded coastal belt.

Nadir noted that the package being offered by ASL could be looked upon from three perspectives: encouraging accessibility to Kaieteur Falls; giving tourists another destination choice; and the introduction of the element of competition in the sector.

Ultimately, the customers would be the beneficiaries of such a project, the minister said.

The launching of the ASL package came during Tourism Month, Nadir stated, and Kaieteur Falls was being highlighted so that the locals as well as foreigners could be made more aware of the site which some say is another natural wonder of the world.

Nadir noted that after the destruction of the World Trade Center in September countries, which previously focused on "inward development" were the ones faring best from the economic recession felt in the aftermath.

He said Guyana would have to begin to tap into the income generation available from a local perspective.

Areas being advanced to encourage tourism, apart from Kaieteur Falls, include Number 63 beach in Berbice, Essequibo Coast, and the Rupununi, he said.

Nadir said looking inward for development did not apply to local residents only, but also Guyanese living overseas.

He declared that government was intent on working with the private sector to develop the tourism industry and expressed optimism that the sector would have a significant impact on Guyana's economy despite the economic downturn the world over.

President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Gerry Gouveia, described ASL as a pioneering company in the aviation and tourism sectors.

He noted there were many attempts in the past to promote an affordable package for the Kaieteur Falls destination and that ASL has set the pace for others to follow. The THAG president said innovative efforts came out before to boost the Kaieteur destination but lauded ASL for bringing out the "most affordable ever."

Gouveia pointed out it would be tough for ASL to maintain the package now being offered but praised the company's faith in its promotion of the tourism industry.