It is estimated to be a US$3.7 trillion a year industry and by the year 2005 is projected to generate US$9.5 trillion. Between now and the year 2010 it is anticipated that the number of tourists travelling per year will rise from 500 million to 937 million.

Robert Costanza of the University of Maryland has estimated that the annual value of services provided to the planet by its 16 major ecosystems is an astonishing US$33 trillion.

This aptly illustrates the economic importance of preserving the natural environment.

Guyana undoubtedly is a land of incredible bio-diversity. It boasts of vast pristine rainforests, rugged mountains, expansive savannahs and mighty rivers and numerous waterfalls, including the world famous Kaieteur.

It has a huge collection of flora and fauna, many of which are rare species.

The Harpy Eagle, huge Black caimans, giant river otters, jaguars, anacondas, poison arrow frogs, large varieties of tropical birds, and a countless number of species of flora all characterise the uniqueness of Guyana's natural environmental beauty.

There are 193 varieties of orchids, 6,101 species of plants, more than 1,000 species of trees and 332 species of birds.

And of course there are the nine Amerindian tribes who provide an opportunity to study indigenous lifestyles in their natural environment.

The colonial heritage has also left historical buildings with unique architectural styles.

Guyana's potential in tourism and eco-tourism is huge, so what needs to be done is the aggressive promotion of Guyana as a tourist site which is unparallelled in the world.

There also has to be the simultaneous implementation of the necessary infrastructure and other essential inputs for the tourist industry to make that `quantum leap' into becoming a fierce competitor on the market.

Guyana has made a fair headway with dozens of eco-tourist sites established at some of the most gorgeous locations one can find.

And there is more good news for the local tourist industry with the visit of the United States-based cruiseship the `Clipper Adventurer' going up the mighty Essequibo River with more than 100 tourists on a trip to South America.

And on Monday, another international hotel was opened in Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

These are positive and encouraging signs and should act as a stimulus towards accelerated development of an industry that has the potential to become the largest economic force here.

The recent announcement for tax concessions and the expected establishment of the Tourism Authority should provide the impetus for those entrepreneurs already involved in this sector to expand their operations and encourage other investors in the industry.

The visit of the `Clipper Adventurer' should be a harbinger of more good things in store for the local tourism sector and we join in warmly welcoming the tourists to our beautiful country.