– airport hotel reports steady demand, targets stronger partnerships and expanded business in second year

COURTYARD by Marriott Guyana is preparing to build on what hotel executives describe as a steady and encouraging first year of operations, with plans to increase occupancy, expand corporate partnerships and capitalise on growing passenger traffic through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
The six-storey hotel, located near the airport at Timehri, East Bank Demerara, was commissioned on August 27, 2025, following the Government of Guyana’s multi-million-dollar investment in the project.
As the property marks its first anniversary, hotel executives said occupancy has remained in line with initial projections, reflecting steady demand and what they described as a positive response from the market.
“As a new property entering a developing hospitality market, our focus during the first year has been on establishing the hotel, building awareness of the Courtyard by Marriott brand in Guyana, developing strong relationships with our corporate and travel partners and delivering a consistent guest experience,” the executives said.
The hotel, constructed by R. Bassoo and Sons Construction Company, was built on 2.5 acres of government-leased land and comprises more than 100 rooms, including five executive suites.
President Dr Irfaan Ali commissioned the facility in August 2025 alongside Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, then Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond, United States Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot and other officials.
According to the hotel, its proximity to CJIA has been one of its greatest advantages, particularly for guests arriving late, departing early or travelling through Guyana for business and other purposes.
Its busiest periods have coincided with increased business travel, major national and international events, public holidays and periods of heightened passenger movement through the country’s main international gateway. The hotel has also recorded strong demand during Race Week at the nearby South Dakota Circuit.
Corporate travellers currently make up the largest segment of the hotel’s guests, although the property also accommodates airline-related travellers, international visitors, local and regional guests and leisure travellers.
“This diversification has been particularly encouraging because it demonstrates that the hotel is becoming more than simply an airport-adjacent property; it is becoming part of the wider accommodation and business ecosystem in Guyana,” the executives said.
The hotel is also working to strengthen relationships across the travel and tourism industry, including with airlines, as part of efforts to position itself as a convenient and reliable accommodation option for passengers travelling through CJIA.
Executives said increasing passenger traffic through the airport is expected to create opportunities not only for room bookings, but also for food and beverage services, meetings and events.
The increased movement of travellers could also contribute to economic activity in the surrounding Timehri area, creating opportunities for transportation providers, tourism operators and other supporting businesses.
The hotel employs approximately 100 associates, with Guyanese nationals accounting for about 98 per cent of the workforce. According to the executives, local employees have demonstrated a strong willingness to learn and develop while meeting the service standards associated with the international Marriott brand.
With Guyana’s hotel inventory continuing to expand, the executives said they view increased competition as an opportunity to help strengthen the country’s overall tourism and business travel market.
Healthy competition, they said, encourages hotels to improve their products and services, while a larger number of rooms gives Guyana greater capacity to accommodate international visitors, business travellers, groups and major events.
Looking ahead, Courtyard by Marriott Guyana plans to focus on increasing occupancy and room revenue, strengthening corporate and travel partnerships and expanding its meetings and events business.
Other priorities include improving the guest experience, increasing awareness of the Courtyard by Marriott brand, investing in employee training and career development, strengthening relationships with local suppliers and businesses and capitalising on increased passenger traffic and the country’s expanding tourism and business travel market.
“The first year has been about establishing our presence and building a strong foundation,” the hotel executives said.
“The second year is about deepening those relationships, growing the business and continuing to deliver an experience that reflects the standards of the Marriott brand while remaining connected to the Guyanese market.”