The district of Para has gained a new cultural and historical attraction. On Monday, October 26, 2026, the Para Plantage Museum was officially opened. The museum is intended to give visitors greater insight into plantation history, the legacy of slavery and the cultural identity of the communities in the district.
The official opening was performed by Minister Raymond Landveld of Transport, Communicatie en Toerisme (TCT; Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism), who cut the ribbon. Acting Director of Tourism Liola Tamin was also present at the ceremony.
During his speech, Landveld stressed the importance of documenting, preserving and making Surinamese history accessible. He paid particular attention to plantation history and the legacy of slavery, which occupy an important place in the historical development of Para.
According to the minister, the stories of the ancestors, the plantations and the communities that shaped the history of the district must not be lost. By recording and passing on these stories, future generations will have the opportunity to learn more about their origins and cultural heritage.
Museum must stimulate historical tourism
In addition to preserving historical heritage, the Para Plantage Museum must also contribute to the development of tourism in the district. The museum offers both Surinamese and foreign visitors the opportunity to become acquainted with the history and cultural identity of Para.
The Ministry of TCT contributed to the establishment of the museum. According to the ministry, this support is part of the policy to make historical sites and cultural heritage more accessible while at the same time expanding tourism opportunities in the districts.
The museum therefore not only fulfils an educational function, but must also contribute to the further development of Para as a destination for cultural and historical tourism.
Launch of digital safety platform Safe Guide
The ministry has also announced that the digital platform Safe Guide will be officially launched on Thursday, October 29, 2026. This platform is intended to contribute to safe and responsible tourism in Suriname.
Through a website and a free mobile application, visitors can access, among other things, safety guidelines, emergency information and details of tourism businesses.
The platform also offers options for registering trips, scanning QR codes at check-ins and reporting incidents. According to TCT, Safe Guide must support both tourists and entrepreneurs and improve the provision of information within the sector.
Winner of tourism storytelling competition to be announced
During the same occasion, the winner of the Dis’ Na Wi (This Is Us) Stories: Become the Next StoryMaker competition will be announced.
The competition is part of the promotional campaign Our Suriname – Dis’ Na Wi (This Is Us), through which the ministry draws attention to Suriname’s nature, culture, hospitality and identity.
Participants were given the opportunity to show through personal stories and creative content what, in their view, makes Suriname special.
According to the ministry, initiatives such as the Para Plantage Museum, Safe Guide and the storytelling competition must contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage, the safety of visitors and the further promotion of Suriname as a tourist destination.
