By Josiah Williams | December 5, 2024
Guyana is positioning itself as a global tourism powerhouse, with significant investments being made to develop and diversify the country’s tourism and hospitality sector.
Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, made this announcement at the Ministry’s end-of-year press conference on Wednesday.
Minister Walrond highlighted that tourism is already the third-largest export earner in Guyana, following oil and natural resources, and expressed the government’s commitment to making the country a major tourism hub, not just regionally but globally.
She noted that while oil and gas will eventually decline, tourism will remain a key sector, with strategic investments already underway.
A critical part of this vision is the planned construction of additional hotels and tourism infrastructure.
Currently, nearly ten hotels are under construction, with an expected addition of 1,800 hotel rooms by 2026.
These developments will ensure Guyana can accommodate the growing number of visitors attracted by the country’s natural beauty and diverse cultural experiences.
Additionally, the government is actively partnering to host various conferences, sporting events, and forums to attract visitors and keep hotel rooms filled.
The strategy, according to Walrond, is already showing positive results, with monthly events that continue to draw people to the country.
To further enhance the tourism and hospitality sectors, the government is also focused on local capacity building.
A new Tourism and Hospitality Institute is under construction, aimed at training individuals from various communities to work in the expanding sector.
The institute is expected to be completed by January 2026.
The government’s long-term vision is to make tourism a driving force in Guyana’s economy for decades to come, with a focus on sustainability and local empowerment.