TOURISM
AIR AND RIVER EXCURSIONS ADD TO EXOTIC APPEAL OF SURINAME Tourism is a major growth industry in Suriname. This is a destination rich in beautiful scenery, with huge forests, scenic rivers and a coastline rich in flora and fauna. It is a land of natural wonders, cultural sites and other world-class attractions. Small wonder that a growing number of tourists are visiting Suriname to enjoy the beauty and diversity of its relatively undiscovered regions. Much of the country is accessible only by light aircraft or river boat. Travellers can enjoy the thrill of visiting parts of the world that are virtually untouched by humanity, turning an excursion into an Indiana Jonesstyle adventure.
Conservation of the nation’s flora and fauna has become a matter of priority for Suriname. About 12 per cent of the total land area is now made up of protected areas, providing a safe and suitable habitat for all kinds of fascinating animals and plants. Much credit is due to the government of Suriname for its far-sighted attitude to conservation. In 1998, recognising the global importance of the country’s rainforests, the government, in association with Conservation International, created the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, now a Unesco World Heritage Site, with 1.6 million hectares of unspoilt rainforest.
TOURIST FACILITIES Visitors to Suriname have a better-than-ever choice of accommodation. Hotel capacity has more than doubled since 2000. Paramaribo contains a number of prestigious hotels. They include the Torarica group of properties, the Best Western Elegance Hotel, the Courtyard by Marriott and the Wyndham Garden. The number of tour operators is Suriname has also grown steadily, thus providing visitors with a wide range of services to meet their requirements. Tourists have been visiting Suriname in growing numbers. Not surprisingly, the main source of visitors is the Netherlands, although a growing number of tourists are coming to Suriname from other countries. In addition, many weekend tourists make their way to Suriname from neighbouring French Guiana.
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