Cortours is collaborating with the Tourism Ministry to start the first ever Berbice Regatta scheduled for Saturday at the Amerindian community of Orealla.
Director Moti Singh along with three of his siblings formed the tour group which has invested millions in making several areas in the Berbice river hot spots for tourists.
Cortours, which has its office in Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice was established back in 1996 and has been attracting tourists primarily from Germany, Holland, the US, Canada and as far as Portugal.
At a press conference yesterday, Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad expressed enthusiasm for the initiative to bring regatta celebrations to the ancient county. Prashad said his ministry had a duty to get involved in the event and he was grateful that the businessmen have chosen the sector to make such a worthwhile investment.
He noted that his ministry was paying more attention to Berbice. He expressed the hope that the activity comes off well since this would speak for the rich tourism potential of the county which has several areas of scenic beauty. He revealed that the event would be made a calendar event and would be held annually.
It is expected to be a replica of the activities which take place at the Bartica regatta.
So far invitations for participation have reaped an overwhelming response, he said.
Singh, who was on hand for the press conference, told reporters that the many developments which have taken place in the county over the years were among the reasons why he and his brothers deciding to make the investment.
“We see tourism as an industry that will survive and this is why we chose this area to invest in,” he said, adding that the family has been in the business of logging for more than 50 years but intended to completely shift focus over the next few years.
He pointed out that with the completion of the Berbice river bridge the family felt more encouraged too to make its over $100 million investment in four different getaway spots.
“With the upgraded transportation system we see more happening for tourism in Berbice because the tourists would be more encouraged to come,” he stated.
At Zamby in the Berbice River, Cortours has established an overnight facility for tourists with accommodation for 15 persons. Further down river at Cow Falls on a plateau looking over rocks, a resort as also established where tourists could enjoy fishing, nature tours, bird watching and water sports.
At Timehri Rapids, another tourist spot was set up while at Wantabo Falls there is accommodation for up to 40 persons.
According to Singh there are also small more private facilities for those requiring such, along with a conference hall which can hold 100 persons at any one time which is suitable for workplace retreats.
The French Man and Blue Crane falls are also part of the scenery which tourists enjoy with any package from Cortours, which range from US$400 – US$500 for four to five nights per person.
