Last Updated on Thursday, 19 February 2026, 21:32 by Writer
The Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development (Iwokrama) and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support tourism development in the North Rupununi (Region 9), Iwokrama said in a statement.
“This MOU will provide for marketing, product development support and capacity building in various tourism disciplines done through the establishment of a community tourism training institute at the Iwokrama River Lodge,” Iwokrama said.
CEO of Iwokrama, Dane Gobin, speaking on the importance of the MOU, said, “I am pleased to have entered into this MOU with the GTA for the development of community tourism operations in the North Rupununi. The GTA is also committed to this effort, and so there is alignment in our work plans. Iwokrama remains the only internationally certified area for Recreational Services in the region – a testament to the Centre’s commitment to best practices in its operations. Iwokrama was awarded the Good Travel Seal Certificate in 2023 for a two-year period. It was renewed in 2026 following ongoing, measurable work in sustainability. In more recent times, Iwokrama was awarded the Good Travel Seal for 2026.”
Director of the GTA, Kamrul Baksh, remarked that, “This Memorandum of Understanding marks an important step in deepening collaboration between the Guyana Tourism Authority and Iwokrama.
It reflects our shared commitment to sustainable tourism development that protects our natural heritage while creating meaningful opportunities for communities and visitors alike. By working together, we will continue to strengthen Destination Guyana’s position as a global leader in nature-based tourism and conservation-focused travel.”
The Centre says it is grateful to the Government of Guyana for its valuable, ongoing support to the Centre. It extends thanks to the certification team of the Centre and local community partners, the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), for their unwavering support.
The Centre says Guyana continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading ecotourism destination, with the Government of Guyana advancing tourism at the community level. Visitor arrivals continue to surpass expectations. In January 2026, Guyana recorded its highest January arrivals on record, welcoming 34,923 visitors, a 17.2 per cent increase compared with January 2025. Growth is projected to continue in the years ahead.
Historically, Iwokrama said it has been at the forefront of tourism development in the North Rupununi by providing the link between Georgetown and the River Lodge at Kurupukari. Many former staff members of Iwokrama’s tourism operations have gone on to lead tourism initiatives in their own villages, the centre said.
The Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) was established in 1996 under a joint mandate from the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat to manage the Iwokrama forest, a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest, “in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general”.
The GTA is a semi-autonomous governmental organisation responsible for developing and promoting sustainable tourism in Guyana through collaboration with sister agencies and the tourism private sector in order to maximise local socio-economic and conservation outcomes and improve the travellers’ experience.
The GTA is focused on Guyana becoming recognised locally and internationally as a premier destination for protecting its natural and cultural heritage, providing authentic experiences, and maximising local socio-economic benefits.
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