GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Chronicle - The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has reported a 12.6 % increase in its annual visitor arrivals over 2011, effectively placing the country ahead of other countries within the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO). This is heartening news, particularly in light of the difficult global financial situation. According to the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh: “Despite challenges, notably the falling out of Red-Jet and EZ-Jet, the Tourism sector performed extremely well in 2012.” Other challenges he cited during the reporting period were: A worldwide economic crisis; spiralling food prices; instability; airline consolidation and bankruptcy; challenges with high fuel prices, and the concomitant high travel costs, making it difficult for our local people to explore the wonders of Guyana.