Guyana records 17 percent increase in visitors in January

Last Updated on Friday, 3 April 2026, 8:35 by Writer

Guyana recorded a more than 17 percent increase in visitors during January 2026, tourism minister Susan Rodrigues said on Thursday as she wooed overseas-based Guyanese to return for the country’s 60th independence anniversary celebrations.

To usher in the celebrations on May 26, Prime Minister Mark Phillips said the flag raising ceremony would be held at Fort Island, Essequibo River.

Addressing the formal launch of Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee Independence Anniversary celebrations at the Railway Courtyard, she said Guyana recorded 34,923 visitors in January alone, reflecting a 17.2 percent increase over January 2025 and the highest yet on record for any month.

“These figures speak to more than growth. They reflect confidence; confidence in Guyana, as a destination; in our product and in our people,” she added.

Boasting once again that Guyana recorded its highest ever visitor arrivals with over 453,000 persons or a 22 percent increase on the previous year, she said the government hoped to attract an even larger number of visitors including non-Guyanese.

“There is something deeply meaningful about coming home, about reconnecting with your roots, your culture and your people. This is what this initiative represents not only for Guyanese abroad but for visitors from around the world who are eager to experience the richness of Guyana,” she said.

The tourism minister said a “dynamic” calendar of events has been planned for the 60th Independence Anniversary. They include the Guyana Festival, billed for May 15 to 17 at the Providence Stadium; the culinary showcase,”Taste of Guyana”, a heritage site tour, duck curry competition, street food terraces at hotels, the flag raising ceremony, Guyana Carnival entertainment weekend, and a fashion festival.

Activities are also planned for a number of locations across Guyana.

Prime Minister Phillips, in his address, appealed to all Guyanese to ensure that the observance mark the beginning of a new national understanding, maintain unity, pursue their hopes and manage the country’s prosperity with “discipline and fairness.”

“We must be ready for the demands of the future and we must demonstrate that we are ready to build a country where every citizen knows they belong and no matter where life takes us, there is always a place to return,” he added.

Mr Phillips said organisers would involve all sections of the Guyanese community — religious, cultural, academics, youths, school children — in national activities.

Videos, short films, lectures and discussions would be held for the remainder of the year, he said.

Tracing Guyana’s achievements since independence, he said among the “many positive milestones” were the attainment of Republican status in 1970 that strengthened the country’s sovereign and national identity, strengthening of the University of Guyana, establishment of the Court of Appeal, strengthening of the foreign service and the holding of Guyana’s first free and fair election in 1992, since 1966.

At the same time, he said Guyana improved a wide array of its physical and social infrastructure.