Highway resorts successfully attract day-tripper market
Stabroek News
November 23, 2003
Resorts on the Linden/Soesdyke highway seem to be prospering at the moment because owners are finally attracting local tourists mostly on day-trips.
A visit organised by the Ministry of Tourism last Sunday allowed journalists to learn what operators were doing right and what improvements were needed. It was part of a scheme to highlight Tourism Awareness Month.
Three resorts were visited on the trip - Emerald Towers, Splashmin's Fun Park and Marudi.
The most popular continues to be Splashmin's. One or two drowning incidents have occurred since the resort opened three years ago. Security has improved with up to 12 lifeguards on duty, but Stabroek News saw no safety signs. Lennox John, whose idea it was to create Splashmin's, was highly optimistic about the long-term future: "I'm sure that our Disney World will still be a resort in 300 years."
Splashmin's is building a hotel, a new road, a car park that according to GINA will accommodate over 2,000 vehicles, as well as a farm and campsite. The new stretch of road, half-a-mile in length, will be a welcome relief for visitors trying to avoid traffic congestion during big events. It is hoped to complete it by February.
Emerald Towers, in complete contrast to Splashmin's, is sited in a secluded part of Madewini.
This peaceful resort is set in 167 acres of land, and comprises lodges which can house 40 people and surroundings that are eco-friendly. Activities include nature walks, tours, and canoeing. Small private beaches and islands have been created. The resort is generally used as a weekend getaway, as well as for receptions and parties. It is also a great stop-off point for backpackers heading to Kaieteur, Manager Frank Singh said.
"This was one of the first eco-lodges. We now have a savannah park rainforest that includes 30 species of birds. Whenever people come here we ask them to keep the place clean, leaving only their tracks. This is a whole different environment and people like to come here to get away from public areas."
The only problem with Emerald Towers is that it is hidden from view and Stabroek News saw no signposting along the highway.
The final place the tour visited was the small, quaint Marudi Resort. It is a place which owner Paul Dhanraj prefers not to publicise. He admits they struggle to pay the bills but does not want to attract too many people. The resort would find it hard to cope with the kind of large crowds generated by places such as Splashmin's.
The staff number only four, including Dhanraj and his wife, who together built the resort which got going in 1996. Marudi has clean and tidy facilities that include a beach and small lake. Everything has been knitted together by wood from the local forest. It attracts families mostly, since no loud music or rude behaviour is allowed. And there is overnight accommodation as well.
But while tourism grows, it is beginning to clash with the area's chicken farms. Frank Singh of Emerald Towers certainly was not pleased that a farm close to his resort was spreading dung near his prize-winning nature reserve.
Technical Consultant to the Minister of Tourism, Shyam Nokta said that methods could be employed to keep both industries happy.
"Chicken farming is affected by the growth of resorts. We are thinking of designating zones in the area so that nothing gets mixed up."
The evening was capped with a campfire sing-a-long, led by none other than Tourism Minister Manzoor Nadir, who showed off his skills on the guitar.
Highway resorts successfully attract day-tripper market
Resorts on the Linden/Soesdyke highway seem to be prospering at the moment because owners are finally attracting local tourists mostly on day-trips.
A visit organised by the Ministry of Tourism last Sunday allowed journalists to learn what operators were doing right and what improvements were needed. It was part of a scheme to highlight Tourism Awareness Month.
Three resorts were visited on the trip - Emerald Towers, Splashmin's Fun Park and Marudi.
The most popular continues to be Splashmin's. One or two drowning incidents have occurred since the resort opened three years ago. Security has improved with up to 12 lifeguards on duty, but Stabroek News saw no safety signs. Lennox John, whose idea it was to create Splashmin's, was highly optimistic about the long-term future: "I'm sure that our Disney World will still be a resort in 300 years."
Splashmin's is building a hotel, a new road, a car park that according to GINA will accommodate over 2,000 vehicles, as well as a farm and campsite. The new stretch of road, half-a-mile in length, will be a welcome relief for visitors trying to avoid traffic congestion during big events. It is hoped to complete it by February.
Emerald Towers, in complete contrast to Splashmin's, is sited in a secluded part of Madewini.
This peaceful resort is set in 167 acres of land, and comprises lodges which can house 40 people and surroundings that are eco-friendly. Activities include nature walks, tours, and canoeing. Small private beaches and islands have been created. The resort is generally used as a weekend getaway, as well as for receptions and parties. It is also a great stop-off point for backpackers heading to Kaieteur, Manager Frank Singh said.
"This was one of the first eco-lodges. We now have a savannah park rainforest that includes 30 species of birds. Whenever people come here we ask them to keep the place clean, leaving only their tracks. This is a whole different environment and people like to come here to get away from public areas."
The only problem with Emerald Towers is that it is hidden from view and Stabroek News saw no signposting along the highway.
The final place the tour visited was the small, quaint Marudi Resort. It is a place which owner Paul Dhanraj prefers not to publicise. He admits they struggle to pay the bills but does not want to attract too many people. The resort would find it hard to cope with the kind of large crowds generated by places such as Splashmin's.
The staff number only four, including Dhanraj and his wife, who together built the resort which got going in 1996. Marudi has clean and tidy facilities that include a beach and small lake. Everything has been knitted together by wood from the local forest. It attracts families mostly, since no loud music or rude behaviour is allowed. And there is overnight accommodation as well.
But while tourism grows, it is beginning to clash with the area's chicken farms. Frank Singh of Emerald Towers certainly was not pleased that a farm close to his resort was spreading dung near his prize-winning nature reserve.
Technical Consultant to the Minister of Tourism, Shyam Nokta said that methods could be employed to keep both industries happy.
"Chicken farming is affected by the growth of resorts. We are thinking of designating zones in the area so that nothing gets mixed up."
The evening was capped with a campfire sing-a-long, led by none other than Tourism Minister Manzoor Nadir, who showed off his skills on the guitar.
Resorts on the Linden/Soesdyke highway seem to be prospering at the moment because owners are finally attracting local tourists mostly on day-trips.
A visit organised by the Ministry of Tourism last Sunday allowed journalists to learn what operators were doing right and what improvements were needed. It was part of a scheme to highlight Tourism Awareness Month.
Three resorts were visited on the trip - Emerald Towers, Splashmin's Fun Park and Marudi.
The most popular continues to be Splashmin's. One or two drowning incidents have occurred since the resort opened three years ago. Security has improved with up to 12 lifeguards on duty, but Stabroek News saw no safety signs. Lennox John, whose idea it was to create Splashmin's, was highly optimistic about the long-term future: "I'm sure that our Disney World will still be a resort in 300 years."
Splashmin's is building a hotel, a new road, a car park that according to GINA will accommodate over 2,000 vehicles, as well as a farm and campsite. The new stretch of road, half-a-mile in length, will be a welcome relief for visitors trying to avoid traffic congestion during big events. It is hoped to complete it by February.
Emerald Towers, in complete contrast to Splashmin's, is sited in a secluded part of Madewini.
This peaceful resort is set in 167 acres of land, and comprises lodges which can house 40 people and surroundings that are eco-friendly. Activities include nature walks, tours, and canoeing. Small private beaches and islands have been created. The resort is generally used as a weekend getaway, as well as for receptions and parties. It is also a great stop-off point for backpackers heading to Kaieteur, Manager Frank Singh said.
"This was one of the first eco-lodges. We now have a savannah park rainforest that includes 30 species of birds. Whenever people come here we ask them to keep the place clean, leaving only their tracks. This is a whole different environment and people like to come here to get away from public areas."
The only problem with Emerald Towers is that it is hidden from view and Stabroek News saw no signposting along the highway.
The final place the tour visited was the small, quaint Marudi Resort. It is a place which owner Paul Dhanraj prefers not to publicise. He admits they struggle to pay the bills but does not want to attract too many people. The resort would find it hard to cope with the kind of large crowds generated by places such as Splashmin's.
The staff number only four, including Dhanraj and his wife, who together built the resort which got going in 1996. Marudi has clean and tidy facilities that include a beach and small lake. Everything has been knitted together by wood from the local forest. It attracts families mostly, since no loud music or rude behaviour is allowed. And there is overnight accommodation as well.
But while tourism grows, it is beginning to clash with the area's chicken farms. Frank Singh of Emerald Towers certainly was not pleased that a farm close to his resort was spreading dung near his prize-winning nature reserve.
Technical Consultant to the Minister of Tourism, Shyam Nokta said that methods could be employed to keep both industries happy.
"Chicken farming is affected by the growth of resorts. We are thinking of designating zones in the area so that nothing gets mixed up."
The evening was capped with a campfire sing-a-long, led by none other than Tourism Minister Manzoor Nadir, who showed off his skills on the guitar.
Resorts on the Linden/Soesdyke highway seem to be prospering at the moment because owners are finally attracting local tourists mostly on day-trips.
A visit organised by the Ministry of Tourism last Sunday allowed journalists to learn what operators were doing right and what improvements were needed. It was part of a scheme to highlight Tourism Awareness Month.
Three resorts were visited on the trip - Emerald Towers, Splashmin's Fun Park and Marudi.
The most popular continues to be Splashmin's. One or two drowning incidents have occurred since the resort opened three years ago. Security has improved with up to 12 lifeguards on duty, but Stabroek News saw no safety signs. Lennox John, whose idea it was to create Splashmin's, was highly optimistic about the long-term future: "I'm sure that our Disney World will still be a resort in 300 years."
Splashmin's is building a hotel, a new road, a car park that according to GINA will accommodate over 2,000 vehicles, as well as a farm and campsite. The new stretch of road, half-a-mile in length, will be a welcome relief for visitors trying to avoid traffic congestion during big events. It is hoped to complete it by February.
Emerald Towers, in complete contrast to Splashmin's, is sited in a secluded part of Madewini.
This peaceful resort is set in 167 acres of land, and comprises lodges which can house 40 people and surroundings that are eco-friendly. Activities include nature walks, tours, and canoeing. Small private beaches and islands have been created. The resort is generally used as a weekend getaway, as well as for receptions and parties. It is also a great stop-off point for backpackers heading to Kaieteur, Manager Frank Singh said.
"This was one of the first eco-lodges. We now have a savannah park rainforest that includes 30 species of birds. Whenever people come here we ask them to keep the place clean, leaving only their tracks. This is a whole different environment and people like to come here to get away from public areas."
The only problem with Emerald Towers is that it is hidden from view and Stabroek News saw no signposting along the highway.
The final place the tour visited was the small, quaint Marudi Resort. It is a place which owner Paul Dhanraj prefers not to publicise. He admits they struggle to pay the bills but does not want to attract too many people. The resort would find it hard to cope with the kind of large crowds generated by places such as Splashmin's.
The staff number only four, including Dhanraj and his wife, who together built the resort which got going in 1996. Marudi has clean and tidy facilities that include a beach and small lake. Everything has been knitted together by wood from the local forest. It attracts families mostly, since no loud music or rude behaviour is allowed. And there is overnight accommodation as well.
But while tourism grows, it is beginning to clash with the area's chicken farms. Frank Singh of Emerald Towers certainly was not pleased that a farm close to his resort was spreading dung near his prize-winning nature reserve.
Technical Consultant to the Minister of Tourism, Shyam Nokta said that methods could be employed to keep both industries happy.
"Chicken farming is affected by the growth of resorts. We are thinking of designating zones in the area so that nothing gets mixed up."
The evening was capped with a campfire sing-a-long, led by none other than Tourism Minister Manzoor Nadir, who showed off his skills on the guitar.
Resorts on the Linden/Soesdyke highway seem to be prospering at the moment because owners are finally attracting local tourists mostly on day-trips.
A visit organised by the Ministry of Tourism last Sunday allowed journalists to learn what operators were doing right and what improvements were needed. It was part of a scheme to highlight Tourism Awareness Month.
Three resorts were visited on the trip - Emerald Towers, Splashmin's Fun Park and Marudi.
The most popular continues to be Splashmin's. One or two drowning incidents have occurred since the resort opened three years ago. Security has improved with up to 12 lifeguards on duty, but Stabroek News saw no safety signs. Lennox John, whose idea it was to create Splashmin's, was highly optimistic about the long-term future: "I'm sure that our Disney World will still be a resort in 300 years."
Splashmin's is building a hotel, a new road, a car park that according to GINA will accommodate over 2,000 vehicles, as well as a farm and campsite. The new stretch of road, half-a-mile in length, will be a welcome relief for visitors trying to avoid traffic congestion during big events. It is hoped to complete it by February.
Emerald Towers, in complete contrast to Splashmin's, is sited in a secluded part of Madewini.
This peaceful resort is set in 167 acres of land, and comprises lodges which can house 40 people and surroundings that are eco-friendly. Activities include nature walks, tours, and canoeing. Small private beaches and islands have been created. The resort is generally used as a weekend getaway, as well as for receptions and parties. It is also a great stop-off point for backpackers heading to Kaieteur, Manager Frank Singh said.
"This was one of the first eco-lodges. We now have a savannah park rainforest that includes 30 species of birds. Whenever people come here we ask them to keep the place clean, leaving only their tracks. This is a whole different environment and people like to come here to get away from public areas."
The only problem with Emerald Towers is that it is hidden from view and Stabroek News saw no signposting along the highway.
The final place the tour visited was the small, quaint Marudi Resort. It is a place which owner Paul Dhanraj prefers not to publicise. He admits they struggle to pay the bills but does not want to attract too many people. The resort would find it hard to cope with the kind of large crowds generated by places such as Splashmin's.
The staff number only four, including Dhanraj and his wife, who together built the resort which got going in 1996. Marudi has clean and tidy facilities that include a beach and small lake. Everything has been knitted together by wood from the local forest. It attracts families mostly, since no loud music or rude behaviour is allowed. And there is overnight accommodation as well.
But while tourism grows, it is beginning to clash with the area's chicken farms. Frank Singh of Emerald Towers certainly was not pleased that a farm close to his resort was spreading dung near his prize-winning nature reserve.
Technical Consultant to the Minister of Tourism, Shyam Nokta said that methods could be employed to keep both industries happy.
"Chicken farming is affected by the growth of resorts. We are thinking of designating zones in the area so that nothing gets mixed up."
The evening was capped with a campfire sing-a-long, led by none other than Tourism Minister Manzoor Nadir, who showed off his skills on the guitar.