World famous traveling couple calls on Tourism Minister

Guyana Chronicle
December 21, 2002

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Emil and Liliana Schmid, a world famous couple noted for their travels by car around the world, visited Minister of Tourism Manzoor Nadir last Wednesday.

They are world record holders for being the only couple to travel the longest journey, over the longest distance, through the most countries by car -- the same car, which is a Land Cruiser. The couple began travelling in October 1984.

They took the title from an American couple, who last held the record after visits to 113 countries. The couple plan is to carry the total well past 135 countries.

Their visit to Guyana is their 135th country. They have already visited the continents of Europe, North America, South America, Australia and Asia. The couple is also fluent in German, French, Italian, Spanish and English.

According to the Swiss born tourists, their visit to Guyana was prompted by the fact that this country is not well known in some parts of the world and it is the only South American country with a pristine rainforest.

The couple made a previous attempt to visit Guyana, but encountered some difficulties, which included bad weather and a bad trail through the Kubakuba Road. That was in September.

The Schmids arrived in Guyana on December 8 and travelled by road from Lethem to Georgetown.

They are extremely happy with the warmth and hospitality of the Guyanese people, and are presently being treated by the Beharry Group. Le Meridien Pegasus has provided them with the free accommodation for two nights while in Guyana.

The couple said that they have never seen so many historical buildings in one city and so many kept in their natural state.

The Schmids’ trips are not sponsored. They support themselves although they have received gifts from various countries.

Among persons, who welcomed the Schmids to Georgetown were Ms. Donna Short-Gill of the Ministry of Tourism and Mr. Suresh Rampersaud, General Manager of Beharry Automotive Ltd.

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