AGAINST the backdrop of the lush greenery and calm waters of the Essequibo River, Tourism Awareness Month 2025 was officially launched on Saturday under the theme “Tourism — A Transformational Pillar of Guyana’s Economy.”

The vibrant opening ceremony, hosted at the scenic Baganara Island Resort, brought together government officials, private-sector leaders, diplomats, and community representatives to celebrate the growth and future potential of Guyana’s tourism industry.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, delivered the keynote address, reaffirming government’s commitment to sustainable tourism development and community empowerment. She revealed that two new tourism products will be launched during the month — one in Region Nine and another in Region Four — expanding the portfolio of tourism experiences introduced since 2020.
“During the month of November, we will be launching two new products, one in Region Nine and the other in Region Four, adding to the 68 already introduced since 2020,” Minister Rodrigues announced.
She noted that this year’s calendar of activities will feature a wide range of events nationwide, including art competitions, guided tours, culinary showcases, and expos, all designed to highlight Guyana’s diverse cultural heritage, natural beauty, and community-driven experiences.
The Minister underscored that the government’s approach to tourism remains people-centred, focusing on initiatives that benefit local communities directly.
“We are backing these initiatives with physical and other incentives to encourage community-driven projects that help to create jobs, empower residents, and expand economic opportunities,” she explained.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the private sector, the President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar emphasised that tourism’s impact extends far beyond economic growth.
“Tourism is not just about GDP,” he stated. “It is about dignity, inclusion, and national pride. When a visitor comes to Guyana, value reaches every community — from the guide in Surama to the craft maker in Santa Aratak and the driver in Lethem.”
He described tourism as a sector that “spreads opportunity everywhere,” particularly through its focus on community participation and environmental stewardship.
The THAG President highlighted that Guyana’s tourism model — rooted in community-led initiatives and supported by intact rainforests and cultural authenticity — perfectly complements the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

“Long before ‘sustainability’ became a buzzword, Guyana was living it,” he remarked. “When a community earns from tourism, it becomes a protector of biodiversity and heritage. Tourism, therefore, is not only an economic driver — it’s an environmental security strategy.”
The THAG President warned, however, that unchecked development could threaten culture and identity if not managed carefully.
“We must never allow short-term exploitation to destroy long-term value. Guyana’s tourism future depends on conservation, pride, and respect,” he cautioned.
He also outlined several strategic partnerships that continue to strengthen the country’s tourism ecosystem. These include collaborations with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) to link farmers with restaurateurs; the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), and Ministry of Agriculture on an Agri-Tourism Roadmap; the University of the West Indies (UWI) on training and research; and Conservation International and the Protected Areas Commission on sustainable tourism practices.
Regionally, Guyana continues to work with Suriname and French Guiana to promote the “Three Guianas Experience”, a joint tourism marketing initiative that highlights shared biodiversity and cultural ties.
“These partnerships prove that transformation happens through collaboration, not competition,” he affirmed.
BUILDING SKILLS, RAISING STANDARDS
Another priority, he said, is improving service quality and creating meaningful careers within the industry. Initiatives have already been introduced to upgrade kitchen standards, enhance food safety, improve menu design, and provide mentorship to community-based tourism enterprises.
“We have acknowledged our service gaps and acted,” the THAG President said. “Our guests deserve safe vessels, reliable information, and high standards. When one operator cuts corners, it hurts Brand Guyana.”
The 2025 Tourism Awareness Month celebrations reflect Guyana’s continued drive to position tourism as a key pillar of national transformation, in line with the country’s broader economic diversification and sustainable development goals.
As the month unfolds, thousands across the country will participate in events designed to celebrate Destination Guyana — a nation where nature, culture, and community come together to shape one of the world’s most authentic tourism experiences.