These plans, if realised, will see the introduction of new and refurbished facilities at the Kaieteur National Park, Orinduik Falls and other hinterland and coastal locations deemed as tourist resorts.

Additionally, the ministry, in order to facilitate the development of a vibrant tourism industry, plans to introduce new legislation for 2003. This will include catering for competition policies, consumer affairs, e-commerce, small businesses and free zones, Nadir said at a news conference.

He said that consistent with promises in the 2001 manifesto of the governing People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the ministry had established the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

The authority has since been given the main responsibility for product development and standards, and generic marketing overseas for local products, he reported.

In the development of products and their improvement, Nadir said the ministry's focus would be on commercialising the Kaieteur National Park and other tourist resorts.

This includes mainly privatising the guest house at the Kaieteur National Park and putting aside 10 acres of land for the construction of eco-lodges. This will also result in the creation of accommodation for longer stays by visitors to the park, the minister noted.

To finance these projects, the Government, through the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) will seek support from two or three entrepreneurs, he said.

Plans for the Orinduik Falls include electrification of the guest house constructed there a year ago, and the introduction of other social amenities.

Meanwhile, work on the Number 63 Beach at Corentyne, another tourist site, is expected to result in the construction of the roadway leading to the beach, and continued construction of benches at the beach. Nadir said this project is slated to be completed by Easter this year.

The Lethem Rodeo site, also a vibrant tourist spot, will receive electricity supply on a 24-hour basis, he announced. Continued construction of stands and exhibition booths, with the aim of having these facilities as permanent structures, is also high on the agenda of the ministry's plans for 2003, he said.

For the Georgetown area, he said a plan to create a tourism zone is being proposed. The potential site, in the Main Street area, has been identified, and his ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs will seek to make the zone a reality.