MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, has reiterated the significant transformation taking place within the local tourism sector. She noted that, with several major hotels under construction, new restaurants and entertainment venues opening, and Guyana now hosting multiple major international conferences each year, more Guyanese are also choosing to travel within the country.
Responding to a request she made at the start of her tenure, a number of hotels have introduced special rates for Guyanese residents to enjoy local tourism experiences.
At Friday’s opening of the Christmas Village on Main Street, Minister Rodrigues stated that Guyana’s rising tourism profile continues to gain global attention. Between 2020 and 2025, the country has received more than 17 international awards, nominations and recognitions. These include the Bronze Award for Exhibition Design at Japan Expo 2025 and the Destination of the Year Award for Natural Attractions from the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association in 2025. She added that another major accolade for Destination Guyana will be announced in the coming weeks.
Sharing similar sentiments, President Dr Irfaan Ali said visitor arrival data for the period January to October 2025 shows that Guyana has already surpassed last year’s numbers. He noted that October 2025 was particularly strong, recording a 28.9 per cent year-on-year increase and welcoming approximately 42,306 visitors. The January to October period reflects an overall increase of 24 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.
President Ali added that if current trends continue, Guyana is projected to close 2025 with at least a 20 per cent rise in total arrivals. He said this will represent the highest annual total in the country’s tourism history and reinforces the view that Guyana’s global moment has arrived and continues to gain strength.
Recent reports also indicate that the strides made in 2025 will help ensure that the national economy and the communities where tourism is promoted continue to benefit. Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, stated that Guyana is well-positioned for a strong future under the leadership of Minister Rodrigues and President Ali. He noted that 2026 will see an even more intensified push in the tourism sector, with the government expected to focus on the areas that show the greatest potential for expansion and long-term impact.