A TEAM of North American Tour Operators on a one-week visit to Guyana has expressed satisfaction with what they have seen of Guyana. And they feel that the media should do a much better job of promoting Guyana's Tourism Product.

Fascinated at the wonders of Guyana's ecotourism - the countless bird species of dazzlingly brilliant plumage, the cascading waterfalls and meandering waterways, glimpses of its almost elusive wildlife species when confronted by humankind, the experience for them was a memorable one.

They were thrilled on their hinterland visit to Iwokrama Rainforest with its wildlife, flora and fauna and the amazing canopy walkway - suspending over the deeply forested terrain, and supported by an under growth of huge green hardwood trees.

They commented on the relaxing and almost soothing experience of traveling for several miles by bus, on the water or even by air, eventually meeting people of diverse cultural backgrounds and dialects, but who, through the use of the universal English language, were able to communicate with ease.

Head of the 12-member team, Ms. Cathy Holler - President of Blue Ice Communication Incorporated of Vancouver, Canada, who is on her second visit to Guyana, said the team was "simply impressed," liking Guyana's tourism product with its huge potentials, and rare gem which, with a little bit of polishing up, can go a great way.

The Tour Operators were quick to shower praises where these were due, but had words of advice and encouragement that would help Guyana provide a better service. Noting that Guyana is yet in its infancy in terms of development, Ms. Holler stressed the need for standards to be set, which will ensure a consistently high delivery of service.

"It was amazing experience," Ms. Holler said, constantly reflecting on the fascination of the team with Guyana's bird life. They were of the view that Guyana equaled some of the best bird destinations around the world.

Already, there have been expressions of interest in having a group of persons brought here in July to explore the wonders of Iwokrama Rain Forest Station, as well as to see and assess the project from an international market perspective.

But the team was amazed that there was so little accessible information abroad about Guyana's tourism destination. "It's either no information, or misinformation," Ms. Holler asserted. She was adamant that when there are so many positive things to highlight about Guyana's development, what makes the headline news are the negative things 'colourfully' presented.

"I think that the big issue to address now, is - How do the Tourism Authority and the media work together in the interest of getting the good things out?" Holler posited.

The team arrived in Guyana on March 23 and was expected to depart yesterday. While here, they visited also visited Karanambu Ranch, Rock View Lodge and several tourist resorts and other facilities.