Plans are currently in train for the development and upgrading of several tour sites including Number 63 Beach in Region Six, the Georgetown Seawall, Kaieteur Falls and Orinduik Falls as the country positions itself as a tourist destination, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manzoor Nadir said.

Meanwhile better-seating accommodation, valued at about $400,000, provided by a businessman for the Orinduik Falls is to be commissioned in another few days.

Briefing reporters yesterday morning in his office in the first of what is to be a series of regular press briefings he will host to update on developments taking place in his areas of responsibility, Nadir said that the contribution for the seating accommodation and facilities for relaxing were provided by a private sector entrepreneur. The outdoor furniture has been made from Guyana hardwood.

Improvements at Kaieteur, he said, would include making water available for flush toilets and an improved visitor's area. Noting that the roof of the visitors' area was leaking, he said that the ministry was looking at re-roofing the area.

He said, too, that the ministry, in collaboration with the National Parks Commission, will build a warden's house so that accommodation now there could be used solely for tourists.

Also in terms of providing more access at Kaieteur, Nadir said that the clearing of the trail from Tukeit to Kaieteur Top had begun. The completion of the project was just about a week behind schedule. This project was being undertaken by corporate sponsors, he said.

As regards Number 63 Beach, he said that the Interim Management Committee, which was launched to manage the beach, was looking at the possibility of putting up changing rooms. It has begun work on cleaning and de-brushing of the area. This work should be completed before Christmas, he said, adding that the committee had undertaken to upgrade the stretch of road from the main road to the beach.

The Georgetown Seawall should see some transformation, too, he said with seating and lighting. The ministry will also work in collaboration with the City Council to have a part of the parapet by the seawall graded to make more space available for seating. The issue of sanitary facilities is also being looked at.

Nadir also gave an overview of activities undertaken during the past month, designated Tourism Awareness Month. According to him the activities were successful and response encouraging.

Among the activities were Rupununi Day observed during last weekend, the launching of a television documentary titled 'To Guyana with Love', the launching of Air Services Ltd new return air fare of US$99 to Kaieteur Falls, lectures and a project for a number of local heritage sites among others.

Nadir said that his only regret during the month was being unable to get the Tourism Authority Bill to parliament. However, he said, he still hoped that it could be taken to parliament before the year ended.

(Miranda La Rose)