By Samuel Sukhnandan
Guyana is on track to attract up to 350,000 tourists this year, setting new records in visitor numbers, according to projections from the Guyana Tourism Authority.
This surge in tourism is driving the government’s push for the construction of new hotels across the country.
In 2023, Guyana saw 319,147 tourists, an increase of 11 percent from the previous year.
The trend continues into 2024, with 112,751 visitors recorded between January and April, marking a 12.4 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Vice President of Guyana, highlighted that many of these tourists are Guyanese returning home.
The influx has led to high demand for accommodations, often resulting in inflated hotel prices due to a shortage of lodging options.
To address this issue, the recent announcement of Hilton’s new dual-brand project in Georgetown, the capital, is expected to offer more accommodation choices.
Dr. Jagdeo emphasized that this addition will enhance the competitiveness of the tourism sector and provide more affordable options for visitors.
The government’s strategy, introduced in 2020, includes an incentive regime offering tax holidays and support in securing land, which has spurred significant tourism investments.
In addition to Hilton, seven other hotels are slated to open in 2025, creating approximately 3,000 new jobs for Guyanese.
Dr. Jagdeo believes that expanding the range of available accommodations will not only make tourism more accessible but also boost local tourism, particularly in the hinterland areas.
The ongoing developments reflect the government’s commitment to growing Guyana’s tourism sector and accommodating the increasing number of visitors.