TOURISM development in the North Rupununi is set to receive a major boost following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).
The agreement, which is intended to strengthen community-based tourism and expand sustainable travel opportunities in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), essentially focuses on marketing, product development, and capacity building, including the establishment of a community tourism training institute at the Iwokrama River Lodge at Kurupukari.
The initiative is intended to equip residents with skills needed to participate more directly in the growing tourism sector while supporting conservation efforts.
The collaboration comes as Guyana continues to see steady growth in visitor arrivals. According to tourism officials, the country recorded its highest January arrivals on record in 2026, welcoming 34,923 visitors, a 17.2 per cent increase compared with January 2025, with further growth projected in the coming years.
Iwokrama has historically played a central role in tourism development in the North Rupununi, serving as a key link between Georgetown and hinterland destinations. Several former employees of the Centre’s tourism operations have since gone on to lead tourism initiatives within their own communities.
Chief Executive Officer of Iwokrama, Dane Gobin said the agreement reflects alignment between the two organisations in advancing community tourism. He noted that the Centre remains the only internationally certified area for recreational services in the region, and has maintained international sustainability recognition through the Good Travel Seal certification, first awarded in 2023, and renewed in 2026 following continued environmental and operational improvements.
Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh described the MOU as an important step toward strengthening collaboration between the agencies, emphasising a shared commitment to sustainable tourism that protects natural resources while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
The partnership also builds on ongoing government efforts to position Guyana as a leading nature-based tourism destination, with increased emphasis on community participation and conservation-focused travel experiences.
Iwokrama also acknowledged continued support from the Government of Guyana and local partners, including the North Rupununi District Development Board, which has played a key role in supporting tourism initiatives across the region.
