Guiana-shield tour-operators join forces in A-mazing-on

Local tour-operators of the Guiana-shield region aim at attracting more tourists to this unique region through joint marketing efforts, increasing the recognition of the region as a vacation destination.

Paramaribo. Sur-vive-it N.V., a Surinamese tour-operator has initiated a co-operation platform for tour-operators from the Guiana-shield region. The main objective is to jointly promote and market the Guiana-shield as a destination for eco-tourism, i.e. nature and culture adventure. For effective use of time, effort and finances in a market based competitive race for the clients among the potential nature and adventure tourists, A-mazing-on offers tour-operators the opportunity to present their individual excursions, or to combine excursions with one another to create fully accommodated tour packages.

The products are marketed through a network of reseller agents around the world. These agents cover particular market niches such as regions or special interest groups. Those niches not yet directly represented by an agent can be handled by an affiliate agent or by A-mazing-on. The agents are selected on quality, reliability, official certification, travel guarantee assurance and quality.

The approach on commissions and fees is quite special. A-mazing-on itself, as a co-operation between the local providers, works on a non-profit basis. A small percentage of the tour price is taken to cover common marketing and promotion costs. Agents receive a fixed commission. Through this approach all parties concerned, local tour-operators, travel-agents and the consumer, get maximum benefit.

In general A-mazing-on is web-based. All promotion and communication is handled through the website guiana-shield.com". All publications are non-printed, except for promotional flyers and advertisements . The website provides complete information on all products and on other related matters. Bookings can be made by individuals or organisations directly on the site. The final handling of the online booking is always through a certified and qualified dealer.

A-mazing-on aims at creating a community of individuals and organisations with a heart for the uniqueness of the region, the nature and the Indigenous Peoples. For this reason organisations and individuals can register as member.

Members will receive the regular Newsletter and any news on the Guiana-shield and the A-mazing-on Organisation.

Most of the A-mazing-on activities take place in the regions of the Indigenous Peoples. Therefore special attention is paid not to violate the rights and interests of the Indigenous Peoples and their living environment.

The Guiana-shield is a region defined by the geological formation known as the Guiana-shield, which lies between the mouths of the Orinoco and Amazon rivers in Northern South America. The region is bound by the Orinoco, Cassiguiare, Braza, Rio Negro and Amazon rivers. The geography comprises the Guiana's (French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana), Venezuela east of the Orinoco and Brasil north of the Amazon. It is the oldest outcrop of bedrock in the world. This makes the area unique. The geological situation has been stable for much longer than any other place on earth whereby the flora has had the chance to evolve in an immense richness of biodiversity with a magnificent variation in ecosystems. The majority of the rainforest in the region is still in pristine condition making it one of the richest treasure vaults for natural medicines, most of which are yet to be discovered. Truly A saucer full of secrets".

The initiator of A-mazing-on, Sur-vive-it, has been active as a tour-operator in Suriname since 1995. From the beginning Sur-vive-its main goal has always been to share the uniqueness of the Guiana-shield with the interested audience from around the world. The intention has always been to do this in such a way that it would benefit the local indigenous inhabitants and their environment, the Guiana-shield rainforest. Basically Sur-vive-it facilitated small groups of enthousiastic adventurers and special interest groups. One of the most successful projects in which Sur-vive-it played a key role, was the Runningman project in 2000 (in search of sjamaans"). This project resulted in a documentary series, which was broadcast on Discovery Travel Channel in july/august 2002. The progress of the expedition was reported live on the website http://www.runningman.tv".