Waia Lodge in Santa Aratak Mission has launched a new tourism experience aimed at combining nature, culture, and adventure, its owners announced at a launch event on Saturday.
The lodge was established by tour operators Keiran Samuels and Shebana Daniels, who initially envisioned creating a safe and tranquil space to raise their children. The couple told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that they wanted more people to enjoy the serenity of the area, leading to the creation of Waia Green Escapes.
The tourism experience begins with a boat ride from the Timehri docks along the shaded Kamuni Creek, where guides provide insights on local flora and fauna and share the history of Hope Town, Guyana’s first Chinese settlement. Activities include wildlife and bird watching, village tours of Santa Aratak Mission, fishing, paddle-boarding, trail biking, and nature walks. Visitors can also include a tour of the Demerara River, concluding with a sunset view over the river.
DPI reported that Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues attended the launch alongside members of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG). The minister commended the couple for their achievement and emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism projects.
“We already have such a beautiful raw product, that is our culture, our landscapes, our heritage and our people. If we can package that to welcome international visitors or Guyanese returning home… I think that Guyana’s tourism sector can be extremely successful,” Minister Rodrigues said, according to DPI.
DPI further noted that a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, reinforcing the government’s commitment to cultural preservation while promoting sustainable tourism development.
Guests, including Minister Rodrigues, also participated in activities designed to create memorable experiences at the lodge.
