–country continues to attract confidence, capital, talent, opportunity, President Ali says as Four Points by Sheraton opens

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has noted that Guyana is positioning itself for a major surge in tourism, underscoring the country’s expanding capacity to host international visitors and events.

The Head of State referenced this during his remarks at the opening of the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel at Houston Yards, Georgetown.

The President said the opening is emblematic of a wider transformation taking place across the country.

This, he noted, is driven by both public and private investments, and further reflective of growing global confidence in Guyana’s economy.

“This hotel is more than an impressive structure. It is a statement. It says Guyana is moving, that Guyana is growing. It is evidence that Guyana is attracting confidence, capital, talent and opportunity,” he said.

Against this backdrop, President Ali pointed to a surge in conferences, sporting events and business travel as an indication of Guyana’s emergence as a premier destination, noting that the country is now capable of hosting events that were not possible just a few years ago.

“This year alone, we’ll have about 11 major conferences and about six major sporting events that we could not have hosted two years ago. But we are now positioning Guyana to be a premier hosting destination, because we now have greater capacity and capability,” he said.

The President added that the hospitality sector is central to this push, as it not only creates jobs but stimulates a wide network of industries including agriculture, transport, construction and entertainment.

Additionally, he said that with new infrastructure projects, developments in energy and industrial expansion, the full impact of Guyana’s economic transformation is yet to be realised.

Against this backdrop, the Head of State declared that the tourism industry is poised for significant growth.

“Let me tell you, Guyana is readying itself for a boom in tourism. We are blessed with extraordinary natural beauty… vibrant culture and one of the most unique eco-tourism offerings in the world,” he said.

The Head of State added that the hotel has opened at the right time, in the right place and in the right country, highlighting that as recently as Wednesday, two international conferences took place in the country.

“Guyana is now being identified as a prime destination for conference tourism. More and more persons are coming to our country to visit and to do business, and all of this stimulates business in the tourism and hospitality sector,” Ali said.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, also described the opening as a milestone in Guyana’s development, emphasising the rapid growth and increasing global recognition of the country’s tourism sector.

She noted that the presence of an internationally recognised brand such as Four Points by Sheraton signals the maturity of Guyana’s market and its readiness to meet international standards.

MATURING MARKET

“Its presence here in Guyana is both timely and strategic. It clearly signals that our market is maturing, our standards are rising, and that Guyana is ready to meet and sustain the expectations of international travellers,” the minister said.

According to her, Guyana recorded its highest number of visitor arrivals in 2025, surpassing 450,000 visitors, with strong growth continuing into 2026.

The minister further highlighted the growing demand for quality accommodation, noting that hotels in Georgetown often reach full capacity during peak periods, underscoring the importance of new developments such as the Four Points by Sheraton.

Meanwhile, owner of the hotel, Maurico Van Dam, told the gathering that the project began on what was once undeveloped land with no infrastructure.

The facility features a hotel, expansive common areas, a flexible event hall capable of hosting both small meetings and large gatherings, and a retail centre designed to integrate the property with the surrounding community.

Van Dam also highlighted the hotel’s focus on sustainability, noting that the building incorporates solar-powered systems, energy-efficient materials, water-saving technologies and an integrated design that reduces environmental impact.

“The air conditioning… is powered in large part by solar energy… we installed water-efficient fixtures… built our own water treatment plant… and used low-consumption lighting throughout,” he said.

The hotel owner related that the project is the first EDGE Advanced-certified development in Guyana, placing it among a select group of environmentally sustainable buildings in the region.

Van Dam went on to add that the hotel’s design integrates Guyanese culture, with decor, colours and artwork inspired by the country’s rivers, forests and Indigenous heritage.

“We wanted this hotel to feel unmistakably Guyanese the moment you go through the doors,” Van Dam said.

He further noted that this is a long-term commitment to Guyana, stating that confidence in the country has only strengthened over time

“We’re not here for a moment. We’re here to stay… we believe in where Guyana is going,” he said.

The Four Points by Sheraton at Houston adds to Guyana’s growing portfolio of internationally branded hotels and becomes the fourth Marriott-branded hotel to open in Guyana.