Guyana pushes to become Caribbean’s sustainable tourism leader

Last Updated on Sunday, 18 January 2026, 17:32 by Writer

Guyana is building out its public and private infrastructure to position the country as the leading sustainable tourism destination in the Caribbean, top government officials said on Saturday.

Speaking at the official opening of the 60-room Plaza Hotel on Main Street, Georgetown, President Irfaan Ali said in the coming days, his government would be seeking expressions of interest for the construction of more than 35 airstrips in the hinterland.

Dr Ali said that with the development of hotels on the coastland, the government would match them with eco-lodges and improved air access. “The next phase is to match the eco-lodges, match the investment in a nature-based product, the eco-based product with the same intensity with the development in hotels here and we’re going to match it. We’re going to make it happen,” he said.

The President said the aim is to make Guyana the premier sustainable tourism destination in the Caribbean and South America, where unparalleled natural wonders, vibrant culture, and world-class hospitality converge to create transformative experiences for visitors and shared prosperity for all Guyanese.

“Tourism does not happen in brochures. It happens on runways. It happens in ports. It happens in hotels. It happens in communities that are accessible, prepared, and proud. That is why Guyana has been investing decisively in its physical and social infrastructure,” he added. 

Already, last year GY$2.5 billion was allocated in the national budget to complete and rehabilitate hinterland airstrips including Apoteri, Aishalton, Chenapou, Jawalla, Sand Creek and Paramakatoi. Since then, two domestic airlines have reduced their fares to those destinations.

Dr Ali also restated plans to add another terminal at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, bridge a number of rivers and construct the road to the southern Guyanese town of Lethem near the border with Brazil.

With several internationally-branded hotels already constructed in Guyana, the President said he often calls the hoteliers to ascertain how business is and what the government could do to support them.

The Plaza Hotel is owned by the Manniram Prashad family, a former insurance agent, private sector executive, former government minister and currently Chairman of the Public Service Commission. 

Tourism minister Susan Rodrigues, in her remarks, added that continued investment in ecolodges, conservation partnerships and community tourism ensures that growth in this sector remains inclusive, resilient and environmentally sound.

She explained that ecotourism and sustainable tourism are central to Guyana’s long-term tourism strategy and that the tourism product is built around protected areas, indigenous and community-led tourism, rainforest and river experiences and wildlife-based travel. “This focus is a strategic advantage. Sustainable tourism supports livelihoods in our hinterland and rural communities, protects our natural assets and aligns with global demand for authentic and responsible travel,” she said.

The tourism minister said the offering would also take advantage of events in the interior.

Over the last five years, she said Guyana had developed nine major hotels, adding more than 1,000 rooms to the national inventory.

In the current development pipeline, she said seven additional major brands are projected to deliver more than 1,300 new rooms in the coming years.

“What this means for the sector is direct and measurable, consistent demand for hotel rooms, expanded opportunities for tour operators and transport services, increased activity for restaurants and entertainment providers and stronger income streams for community-based and eco-tourism enterprises across the country. These numbers represent jobs, business growth and sustained confidence in destination Guyana,” she said.

For its part, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) said key contributors to this performance included expanded airline connectivity and competitive fares, strong post-pandemic diaspora demand, successful sports and cultural tourism events, and continued improvements in digital data monitoring systems.

Effective collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders also played a critical role in strengthening tourism infrastructure and promotion, the authority also said.

The GTA forecasts that based on current trends, visitor arrivals are projected to reach 550,000 by the end of 2026. “Continued investment in airlift, infrastructure, marketing, and digital systems will remain central to maintaining competitiveness and long-term resilience,” the GTA said.

The tourism minister said the increased number of hotels strengthens Guyana’s ability to host international conferences, attract high-value visitors, extend average length of stay, and compete more effectively within the Caribbean and South American tourism markets.

Referring to the Plaza Court Hotel, she said that directly contributes to the national objective. “It strengthens room stock, eases pressure on existing facilities, and raises the overall standard of accommodation available in the capital,” she said. “This improves our capacity to secure repeat visitors, support major events, and attract both business and leisure travelers.”