PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), the Honourable Mark Phillips has outlined the substantial progress Guyana’s tourism industry has made over the last five years, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a world-class, sustainable tourism product.

In his presentation to stakeholders during the feature address at the Annual Awards, Dinner and Auction of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) on Saturday night at the Marriott Hotel, the Prime Minister described tourism as “a tool to create jobs, to earn foreign exchange, to develop rural areas, to protect our patrimony, and to tell our story; the Guyanese story, to the world”.

He acknowledged that Guyana’s journey in the tourism industry has not been without its challenges, referencing how the country once turned away from the sector altogether. However, he noted that under the PPP/C Government, beginning in 1992, tourism was deliberately integrated into the National Development Strategy as a development pillar.
“When we sat down to craft Guyana’s National Development Strategy all those years ago, we didn’t just think about bauxite, sugar, rice, gold, timber and diamonds. We thought about people; we thought about place. And we thought about promise; the kind of promise this country holds, including our amazing natural attractions and the unmatched hospitality of our people,” PM Phillips said.

He explained that the strategy emphasised tourism that is authentic, sustainable, and inclusive, placing value on protecting Guyana’s natural beauty, empowering Indigenous communities, and promoting investments in infrastructure, safety, and service excellence.

“The National Development Strategy emphasised tourism that respects who we are and what we have; the kind that brings the world to our doorstep without erasing our culture; without destroying our environment,” he said.

Prime Minister Phillips recounted that among the first steps taken in building the tourism industry from the ground up was the establishment of institutional structures within the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, as well as the creation of the Guyana Tourism Authority.
Major infrastructure projects that initially faced criticism, such as the construction of the Marriott Hotel and the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, were highlighted as foundational investments that have positioned Guyana to accommodate rapid growth and diversification in the tourism sector.

Additional developments, such as the construction of the Ogle municipal airport (the Eugene F. Correia International Airport) and the promotion of nature-based, cultural, and events tourism, were cited as critical components of the sector’s early development.

Over the past five years, the tangible results of ongoing efforts have become increasingly evident.

In 2024, Guyana recorded its highest-ever visitor arrivals, reaching 371,272; a remarkable 329 per cent increase over the 2020 figure of 86,503. This surge in tourism was complemented by a major boost in global connectivity, with nine international airlines commencing service to Guyana during this period, including British Airways, JetBlue, United Airlines, Avianca, and KLM.

Looking ahead, projections indicate that visitor arrivals will exceed 420,000 by the end of 2025. To meet this growing demand, the country’s accommodation capacity is rapidly expanding, with over 600 new hotel rooms expected by the end of the year. Notable projects currently underway include AC Marriott, Hyatt Place, Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, and King’s Hotel.

Additionally, the hospitality landscape has been recently enhanced with the completion of Pegasus Corporate Suites, Aiden by Best Western, and The Royal.

The Prime Minister also spoke of the dynamic growth in the types of experiences now available to visitors, with more than 65 new tours and products introduced since 2020. These include culinary tours such as the “Seven Curry” experience, adventure-based offerings like ATV riding and kayaking, and heritage tours exploring locations such as Jonestown. Guyana’s standing on the international stage continues to rise, with eleven international awards earned between 2020 and 2025, and five eco-lodges achieving certification under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Recognising that a growing tourism sector must be matched by skilled human resources, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of training and workforce development in sustaining momentum. The development of the Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute (HTTI), scheduled to be launched in 2026, he explained, will play a critical role in upskilling the local workforce and ensuring service excellence across the sector.

These efforts are being matched by an aggressive marketing and branding push to promote Guyana as a premier destination for both leisure and business travel.

As a result of ongoing training efforts, more than 8,000 Guyanese have already received certification in hospitality and tourism, contributing to an estimated 22,000 individuals now directly or indirectly employed across the sector.

Prime Minister Phillips also outlined the country’s push into emerging and niche tourism markets. These include medical tourism, which leverages cost-effective healthcare services; health and wellness tourism, capitalising on Guyana’s natural settings; and agro-tourism, which offers both economic benefits for rural farmers and unique visitor experiences.

He also highlighted the potential for the development of cruise tourism infrastructure, and the growing success of sport and entertainment events such as Cricket Carnival and Global Super League, which have contributed significantly to increased visitor arrivals.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of strong partnerships across Government, the private sector, local communities, and international stakeholders.

“Guyana is undeniably crafting a world-class tourism product to compete on the global stage,” he said.

Meanwhile, he congratulated the evening’s awardees, noting that their commitment and leadership have helped elevate the industry and inspire others. “Together, with shared vision and relentless effort, Guyana’s tourism sector is poised to shine brighter than ever on the world map. The journey has only just begun, and the best is yet to come.” (OPM)