–     150-room hotel opens with plans for rapid expansion

THE Courtyard by Marriott officially opened its doors on Wednesday at Timehri, directly adjacent to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), marking a major development in Guyana’s hospitality sector. Already fully booked and with plans for expansion underway, the hotel promises to bring world-class amenities and new economic opportunities to the surrounding communities, welcoming guests as early as next week.

The US$20 million investment is a six-storey facility comprising 150 rooms, including five executive suites. It features the internationally renowned amenities and standards of the Marriott brand, with its opening heralded as both a commercial milestone and a symbol of Guyana’s growing global connectivity.
Speaking at the ceremony, Roy Bassoo Snr., Managing Director of Bassoo Construction and Cardinal Investments Inc., highlighted the broader significance of the venture.
“Now this venture highlights what is possible when foreign and local expertise merge. It’s glass and steel raised with purpose, reflecting not just sunlight, but the ambitions of a nation eager to greet the world.”

Already there are plans to expand, adding 75 more rooms and an entertainment complex featuring fast food restaurants, an Irish pub, ATM banking,  a rooftop bar, and possibly a casino.
He also reflected on the long-standing contribution of his company to Guyana’s national development:
“For more than 30 years, Bassoo construction has woven its legacy into the tapestry of Guyana’s progress helping to shape our education, healthcare and security sectors. This Marriott stands as a testament to that dedication.”

Bassoo described the project as a strategic investment and a signal of Guyana’s economic promise.
“This milestone is far more than a strategic investment in our hospitality and tourism sector; it is a beacon, illuminating Guyana’s international promise and our flourishing economy. Under a 20-year agreement, Marriott International will operate this renowned brand, American brand, strengthening our bridge to global opportunities.”
Encouraging further private sector involvement, he called on fellow investors to act.
“I would like to now call on my fellow investors, both big and small, let us seize this gilded opportunity. Never before has it been so promising to do business in Guyana, where your investments are secure and protected.”

A STRATEGIC LINK IN A BIGGER PLAN
President, Dr Irfaan Ali, addressing the gathering, placed the hotel within the broader framework of Guyana’s transformation into a regional and international hub.

He stressed that Guyana’s geographic and strategic position is no longer marginal, but presents an opportunity for the creation of a transit hub that global partners can trust.
“Guyana is not on the margins of the map. We are the centre of it. And with the right infrastructure, the right services, and the right partnerships, we can connect people and cargoes, travellers and businesses, and families and opportunities from one part of the globe to another.

“This Courtyard by Marriott positions Guyana to deliver exactly that. It answers a demand that is high, that is consistent, and that will only grow stronger,” he added.
President Ali explained the rationale behind the hotel’s location and its purpose; he noted that it caters to the steady flow of guests who move through the  airport daily.
“Business people on short stays, tourists, airline crew, and transit passengers. Second, it offers convenience: travellers don’t want to place [sic] long commutes for early-morning departures or late-night arrivals. They want comfort.They want rest, and they want it nearby. The hotel provides that, and with a new air-shuttle service that takes you directly to the airport, it makes that convenience even more seamless.”

Greater opportunities too will be created for the surrounding communities.
“A hotel like this is not only for rest, but it’s also for work. It is ideal for hosting business conferences, meetings and professional events. It provides airlines with reliable accommodation for their crews and their passengers when connections change, and it adds to the growing ecosystem of services that made Guyana a first-class destination and a competitive transit hub.”
He added :  “This hotel is a signal, a signal  that Guyana is serious, a signal that we are ready.”

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR GLOBAL REACH
President Ali also made clear that the government is taking a methodical approach to long-term development of aviation infrastructure.

“We know transformation cannot be done overnight, but we’ll be expanding infrastructure. We’ll be investing in terminals and runways. We’ll be building the capacity to handle large aircraft and a higher percentage of volumes. We know what needs to be done.”

The government will look at strengthening airline support through modern maintenance facilities, competitive fuelling services, and expanded cargo operations.
“Everything we are doing is part of a plan. Nothing is being made up as we go along; every runway extended, every hotel built, and the expansion of cargo facilities, are all pieces of a puzzle. Steps towards the vision of a Guyana that is truly connected to the world.”