• event set for October 19 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel Ballroom

THE Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) has officially launched Tapas, Rum & Wine 2025, a premier culinary and beverage experience set for October 19, 2025, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel Ballroom.

The event is being hosted with the support of the Guyana Marriott Hotel and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

Now in its second year, Tapas, Rum & Wine has already established itself as one of THAG’s signature events, showcasing Guyana’s top chefs, restaurants, caterers, and beverage experts.

The evening will feature an array of innovative tapas creations, premium rum and wine pairings, and signature cocktails, highlighting the creativity and diversity of the country’s evolving food and beverage scene.

This year’s lineup includes some of Guyana’s most recognised culinary and beverage brands — Banks DIH Limited, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Lehr Inc., Gemini Cocktails, The Wine Vault, and a selection of restaurants and private chefs such as Grand Coastal Hotel, Bistro Café & Bar, Fresh, Guyana Marriott Hotel, Nikkei Guyana, Cara Lodge, Le Chef Catering, and Sushi by Selena.

From 5 PM to 10 PM, patrons can look forward to an evening of fine dining, expertly paired drinks and an atmosphere of sophistication and local flair.

According to THAG, the goal of Tapas, Rum & Wine is to encourage innovation and excellence among local chefs and beverage professionals, inspiring them to push boundaries while inviting patrons to appreciate the craftsmanship, creativity, and thought that go into every dish and pour.

“It’s about inspiring people to see and experience food and drink differently,” a THAG representative noted, “and to appreciate the value and artistry within Guyana’s hospitality industry.”

During the launch event, THAG President Mitra Ramkumar expressed pride in what Tapas, Rum & Wine represents for the sector.

“I don’t believe we have another event in Guyana that brings all these restaurants, top chefs, and promotes their skill and talent in one room at the Marriott Hotel,” Ramkumar stated. “This is not just a THAG event—it is a Guyana event.”

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, in her remarks, commended THAG for its continued efforts to promote Guyana’s tourism and hospitality industries, while emphasising the importance of collaboration beyond such events.

“Collaborations between MTIC and THAG have to go beyond events such as Tapas, Rum & Wine and continue in capacity building through training,” she said.

Minister Rodrigues acknowledged that building a strong tourism and hospitality sector in a country that has traditionally not been service-based presents challenges, but emphasised Government’s commitment to that goal.

“We know we can get it done,” she said. “We have great partners in THAG and other associations within the sector, and I’ve seen that hunger to work towards building out a more thriving tourism and hospitality industry.”

She further noted the responsiveness of tourism stakeholders—including hoteliers, restaurateurs, mixologists, and chefs—in collaborating with the government to enhance the visitor experience and ensure that tourism remains accessible and affordable for both locals and visitors.

“When government sees this type of response from stakeholders, we are encouraged to continue supporting events like Tapas, Rum & Wine, which give them a platform to showcase their talent and elevate Guyana’s culinary experience, using local ingredients,” she affirmed.

Minister Rodrigues also highlighted the government’s broader role in ensuring a stable economy, high investor confidence, and increased visitor arrivals.

“Our responsibility as government is to ensure that people continue to invest in Guyana, that investor confidence is high, and that we grow the number of visitors coming to experience all that our country has to offer—our tours, our food, and our drink,” she said.

Tickets for Tapas, Rum & Wine 2025 are available at the THAG Secretariat (157 Waterloo Street, Georgetown – ground floor, PSC Building) and Bistro Café & Bar (176 Middle and Waterloo Streets, King’s Hotel and Residences). Tickets cost $12,000, inclusive of entry and tapas chits, while beverages will be sold separately.

With excitement already building, Tapas, Rum & Wine 2025 promises an evening of refined taste, creativity, and cultural celebration—spotlighting Guyana’s growing reputation as a destination for exceptional culinary and hospitality experiences.