GUYANA’S passenger movement statistics paint a vibrant picture of a nation on the rise, with figures placing the country firmly on track to achieve President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s bold prediction of one million passenger movements by 2025.

This is according to a press release from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), which noted that by the close of 2023, Guyana had recorded an impressive 931,450 international passenger movements across its four key ports of entry: the CJIA, Eugene Correia International Airport (EFCIA), Lethem Border Crossing and Moleson Creek Crossing.

“This remarkable achievement represents 93 per cent of the targeted goal set by President Ali, demonstrating the momentum and dynamism within Guyana’s travel and tourism sector,” the release said.

It added that the CJIA led the charge, recording 729,450 international passenger movements. This surge in activity at this airport reflects the increased global interest in Guyana as a premier travel destination fuelled by its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and burgeoning oil and gas industry.

The Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Lethem Border Crossing and Moleson Creek Crossing played significant roles in facilitating international passenger arrival and departure.

EFCIA registered 78,035 international passenger movements, highlighting its growing importance as a regional service provider, while Moleson Creek Crossing registered 97,408 passengers, and Lethem Border Crossing, 26,557, the airport said in its release.

The latter two ports serve as vital links for travel between Guyana and neighbouring Suriname and Brazil, respectively.

“Overall, these ports of entry recorded 134,124 or a 17 per cent increase in international passenger movements in 2023 compared to 2022, the release said, adding that Minister Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works has declared that “These figures are a testament to the immense progress Guyana has made in recent years under the leadership of His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C Government.”

According to the release, he went on to add: “Our commitment to infrastructure development, improved air connectivity, and enhanced tourism promotion is paying off, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe.”

The release said that the government remains steadfast in its dedication to exceeding the one million passenger target by 2025.

“Ongoing initiatives to expand airport capacity, diversifying tourism offerings, and strengthening strategic partnerships with airlines are expected to fuel continued growth in the sector,” it added