GUYANA is preparing itself for the growth in its tourism industry with the development of seven new international hotels, which are set to materialise by 2025.
This development, announced by Vice- President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during a recent press conference at Freedom House, marks a pivotal moment in the government’s economic growth strategy.
The ambitious project is expected to create approximately 3,000 jobs for Guyanese citizens, providing a substantial boost to local employment. This influx of hospitality sector positions is likely to have a ripple effect on the economy, stimulating growth in related industries such as transportation, food services, and local tourism attractions.

Vice-President Jagdeo highlighted the government’s proactive approach in attracting international investors.
He explained, “We met with the people who are interested in the hospitality sector, and in building hotels. In the first few weeks of expression of interest, we had over 20 of them, and we sat at State House, the President, myself, etcetera. And we said here will be the new incentive regime; a tax holiday for the hotels, because this represented a massive investment. And we will work with you to try to find the land to build the hotels.”

The government’s strategy to offer tax incentives and assist with land acquisition has proven successful in attracting foreign investment, even during challenging times. As Dr. Jagdeo noted, “This was in the middle of ‘COVID’; we were working with people, with masks on, trying to move the country forward.”
The impact of these new hotels on Guyana’s tourism industry is expected to be substantial. With an increase in high-quality accommodation options, the country is likely to attract a broader range of international visitors, including business travellers and luxury tourists.

Moreover, the influx of international hotel brands is anticipated to bring global standards and practices to Guyana’s hospitality sector. This could lead to improved service quality across the industry and provide valuable training opportunities for local staff, enhancing the overall tourism experience in the country.
The Vice-President emphasised the immediate impact of this initiative, stating, “Because of that policy we have seven new international hotels now under construction that will start working next year and will employ some 3000 Guyanese.”

This development is also likely to have a positive effect on Guyana’s infrastructure. The construction of these hotels could spur improvements in roads, utilities, and other public services to support the increased tourism activity. Additionally, it may encourage the development of new tourist attractions and experiences to cater to the expected rise in visitors.
As Guyana continues to grow its oil-and- gas sector, diversifying the economy through tourism development is a strategic move. It provides an alternative revenue stream and helps to create a more resilient economic structure. While the benefits of this expansion are clear, the government and private sector will continue to work together to ensure sustainable tourism practices are implemented.