Tours sold out, influx of foreigners as Guyana readies for Rodeo/ Regatta weekend

The Rupununi Rodeo and Bartica Regatta, two staple events of the Easter weekend in Guyana, have garnered mammoth interest again this year, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond said on Monday.

Walrond, in an invited comment to the News Room, said a number of foreigners have expressed an interest in visiting Guyana’s Rupununi region this weekend for the rodeo activities.

And already, she said both private and government-facilitated tours to Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo), are sold out.

The Rupununi rodeo features vaqueros (or cowboys and cowgirls, as they are more commonly known) from across Region Nine. For two days, usually at the Easter weekend, hundreds of people gather to witness individuals showcase various skills at taming calves, bulls and horses.

The rodeo also offers residents there, who are primarily indigenous people, the opportunity to showcase the best of their food, craft and culture.

After a two-year hiatus, the rodeo returned in 2022.

Meanwhile, the Bartica regatta is another highly-anticipated Easter weekend event that features powerboat racing and activities along Bartica’s boardwalk. It also made a return in 2022 after a two-year hiatus.

Both events, the Tourism Minister said, are attracting more visitors and fostering greater domestic travel.

And the heightened travel to and in Guyana during this Easter weekend is just part of the growing interest in Guyana’s tourism opportunities, Walrond said.

“Every single month, we are seeing an increase in terms of visitor arrivals… so it has been a real promising and exciting time for tourism in Guyana,” she highlighted.