As the influx of visitors to Guyana surges during the 2023 Cricket Carnival season, accommodation has emerged as a significant challenge. President Dr. Irfaan Ali has emphasized the urgent need for the construction of additional hotels and eco-lodges to address this demand.
During a recent press conference, President Ali highlighted the substantial growth in arrivals, citing an incident where over 600 individuals from the diaspora arrived simultaneously, leading to extensive queues at immigration. He stressed that despite concerted efforts to create more space for visitors, all hotels and accommodations are completely booked.
President Ali underscored that the construction of new hotels and eco-lodges will greatly enhance Guyana’s capacity to host a larger number of visitors. The tourism sector is rapidly expanding, attracting individuals keen to experience the diverse offerings of the country.
The President expressed his excitement about the developments in the tourism market and emphasized the need for strategic investments to further enhance the sector. He commended the efforts of the Minister of Tourism in driving these positive changes.
In 2022, Guyana saw a remarkable 82.6 percent increase in arrivals compared to the previous year, processing a total of 717,822 passengers across the country’s main ports of entry. This year, a 16.5 percent increase in arrivals is projected, with 124,973 passengers recorded from January to May alone.
President Ali’s call for expanded accommodation options aligns with the burgeoning opportunities presented by Guyana’s growing tourism industry.