IN a recent live interview, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Oneidge Walrond shared insights into the remarkable resurgence of Guyana’s tourism sector, describing it as a “tremendous success story.” Since assuming office in August 2020, the government has undertaken a bold plan to elevate the nation’s tourism product, even amid the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reflecting on the initial challenges, Minister Walrond noted, “Airlines were going out of business, airports were shutting down, there were pictures across the globe of airports looking like ghost towns. Nobody was travelling.” Despite this bleak landscape, the government set its sights on attracting more visitors, anticipating that this would necessitate additional hotel rooms and services.

Fast forward to 2024, and the minister proudly reported that visitor arrivals have not only broken records each year since 2020 but have also surpassed pre-pandemic levels. “We have rebounded tremendously with the aim of continuing in that upward trajectory,” she emphasised, crediting this success to a clear and strategic vision for the tourism sector.
Immediately upon taking office, President Dr. Irfaan Ali called for an increase in internationally branded accommodations in Guyana, a vision that faced heavy criticism yet persisted through adversity. “We forged ahead and we have gotten, as you will know and the nation has seen, the beautiful buildings, the hotels,” Minister Walrond stated, pointing to the newly constructed Aiden Hotel in the city and the Marriott at the airport as key developments. She further affirmed that the goal of adding 1,500 new hotel rooms by the end of 2025 is well within reach, with several hotels already open or nearing completion.

The minister explained that this growth in tourism infrastructure directly benefits the average Guyanese. With an influx of visitors, the demand for hotel construction translates into jobs for construction workers, while completed hotels create opportunities in housekeeping, maintenance, customer service, and transportation services like taxi driving. “The monies spent by visitors will be put into the country’s growing economy,” she noted, highlighting the sustainable nature of the tourism sector as a vital contributor to economic development and job creation.
Moreover, Minister Walrond emphasised that the benefits of tourism extend beyond the capital, Georgetown, and the coastal regions, reaching hinterland communities and other areas where community tourism is gaining momentum. “Guyanese are seeing a government that is deliberate about making sure that they benefit from the expansion of our economy. The expansion of the tourism sector is just one of the sectors that they are seeing many benefits from,” she said.

As Guyana continues to embrace its tourism potential, the government’s strategic initiatives aim to ensure that the nation not only attracts more visitors but also fosters a thriving economy that uplifts all its citizens. The future looks promising for Guyana’s tourism sector, which stands poised to further solidify its place on the global stage.