-Says British High Commissioner 

The British High Commissioner, Jane Miller, underscored the vital role of infrastructure development and hospitality training in advancing Guyana’s tourism sector to global prominence.
During this week’s episode of the Energy Perspectives Podcast, Miller emphasised these two key areas in enhancing tourism development in Guyana.

She noted that significant strides are already being made in improving infrastructure, which is crucial given the high costs and challenges associated with accessing interior areas.
“Firstly, it would be about infrastructure. We are already seeing that being developed, so I think that it is really important. It is very expensive to get into the interior, and I think the way in which infrastructure is being improved it will become more accessible.”
The diplomat also stressed the importance of training, particularly in hospitality. She explained that it is essential to create opportunities for people to understand and deliver world-class hospitality, ensuring that services in these areas meet international standards.

“I think the other thing is training. It’s about really improving opportunities for people to understand hospitality and what world-class hospitality looks like,” she remarked. “Training is really going to be important. It will really nail Guyana as a real global eco-destination.
Miller noted the rapid growth of Guyana’s tourism sector. In Georgetown, the capital city, she said there is a significant rise in the construction of new hotels, reflecting the growing demand from business and leisure travelers. Meanwhile, in the interior regions, she said there is a notable increase in the establishment of lodges and eco-tourism destinations.

The Guyana government is making significant investments in the tourism sector, recognising its potential as a driver of economic growth. Major initiatives include the development of eco-tourism destinations in the hinterland and enhancing infrastructure to support sustainable travel.
In Georgetown, the surge in new hotels reflects a focus on accommodating increasing numbers of international visitors, spurred by the country’s oil boom. Additionally, partnerships with indigenous communities aim to promote authentic cultural experiences while empowering local livelihoods. Through strategic marketing campaigns, policy support, and capacity building, the government is positioning Guyana as a top-tier tourism destination in the region.
The year 2024 has seen a significant expansion in tourism infrastructure.

A total of 26 bed-and-breakfast properties have been approved, and 15 new tourism experiences have been introduced, expanding the offerings beyond Georgetown and into communities across the country. This growth is not only benefitting Georgetown but also various regions of Guyana, where new tourism ventures are creating jobs and driving economic development.

Currently, Guyana has 3,300 hotel rooms; an additional 1,000 rooms are scheduled to become available in 2025, with a further 800 rooms to be added by 2026.
This expansion is part of the government’s broader strategy to boost tourism, and support the country’s growing appeal as an international destination. The new hotel rooms will help accommodate the influx of tourists drawn by Guyana’s expanding tourism offerings, including international conferences, sporting events, and entertainment shows.

Moreover, the establishment of a Tourism and Hospitality Training Institute has been on the cards for several years now. In January 2024, the sod was turned for the construction of the US$7 million institute, through a loan from the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).