ASL expands services preparatory to Guyana Festival in August
AIR Services Limited (ASL) has expanded its services in recognition of the new Guyana Festival launched by the Ministry of Tourism.
The inaugural Guyana Festival,’Sound, Soul and Taste’, is slated to take place at the National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara from August 8 to 10.
Minister of Tourism (ag), Irfaan Ali, at the press conference held Friday at the Ogle International Airport, East Coast Demerara, recognised Air Service Limited as an important and fundamental element of the tourism sector.
At Friday’s ‘presser’ are, from left, Mrs. Annette Arjoon-Martins and Minister of Tourism (ag), Mr. Irfaan Ali. At right is one of ASl’s many pilots (Photos by Sonell Nelson)
“The ASL has played a very dynamic role in ensuring not only the visitors (international tourists) but also brothers and sisters in Guyana having an opportunity to see and to explore the wide array of the country’s beauty,” the Minister said.
He pointed out that ASL has consistently invested in the resources and equipment that are vital for expansion of its business. He commended ASL on the way it has recreated its business into a more dynamic and versatile product in order to bring new opportunities to the tourism industry.
He emphasised that the tourism sector in Guyana thrives off the adventure and exploration of nature (flora and fauna).
An aerial view of the National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara
“ASL has played, and will continue to play, that integral role in the tourism sector. ASL has contributed to local tourism, which is important to any country,” he explained.
The Tourism Minister congratulated ASL for the tremendous work it has done for the tourism sector, and more importantly for expansion of its services in step with growth and development of tourism.
He also indicated that ASL has played an active role in ensuring the success of Guyana Festival.
“The Guyana Festival has been creating a life of its own…everyone is excited about this festival and wants to be a part of it. The festival will bring us together,” the Minister noted.
The Manager of Air Services Limited, Mrs. Annette Arjoon-Martin, said ASL has expanded its services being offered in run-up to the Guyana Festival.
She explained: “We are anticipating that the Guyana Festival will create an influx of visitors from the Diaspora during that time, and feel that there will be demand for these services, beginning with this thrust from the Ministry of Tourism.”
ASL’s first initiative is to extend its present weekly flights to Kaieteur Falls. “Four Flights are scheduled every week – Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays,” she said. The flight will leave at 13:00hrs, and each would last for approximately one hour. The tourist will spend two hours on the ground and a guided tour will be provided.
Mrs. Martins explained that the ASL second initiative was offering helicopter tours of Georgetown from Sunday to Sunday. She also indicated that during the Guyana Festival, two helicopters will be posted at the National Stadium. “This will be for those who are going to the festival…so they could have the option of doing a tour from Providence Stadium over the city and back to the stadium,” she noted.
Mrs. Martins explained that, for the first time, ASL would be providing an opportunity for tourists to visit Shell Beach via helicopters in a flight that would take one hour.
She pointed out that the ASL would be introducing landscape tourism flights with helicopters for those who have already experienced Kaieteur Falls and are looking for something new. This concept provides the experience of flying among the beautiful tabletop mountains (tepuis) and obtaining a bird’s eye view of the incredible waterfalls cascading from them.
The tourist will be given a presentation by Mrs. Martins on the geography and culture of the area prior to the trip. The trip to Kaieteur Falls would cost US$145 per person; Shell Beach helicopter tour would cost US$400 per person, and aerial tours of the city would cost US$40 per person.
The landscape tourism tour cost will be customised, based on the number of persons.
Mrs. Arjoon-Martins commended the Minister of Tourism for his initiative with this festival. “For the first time, we’re seeing a presentation in Guyana that draws every aspect of our culture – music, dance, arts and crafts, cuisine, drama and comedy in one package, at one location, with very affordable fees. We also commend him for his willingness to cooperate with stakeholders such as Air Services to promote this event.
“Initiatives such as this from the Ministry are like opening windows into opportunities that enhance our economy.” She said.
The Guyana Festival covers three days, and will feature our most celebrated legends in sports, culture, art, music, food, entertainment, and much more. Day one will feature an air show and national concert; on day two, the audience will experience the Night of the Legends, and day three will feature a national cook off, with food from every culture, followed by the Generation X Concert.
(By Sandy Agasen)
