Tag: tourism

Guyana, Morocco sign open skies deal to spur trade, travel

Posted on by Aliyah Persaud

Guyana and Morocco on Thursday signed an Open Skies Air Services Agreement to facilitate air travel between the two countries and beyond to third destinations.
The agreement was signed in Marrakech by Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, and Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Lt. Col. (ret’d) Egbert Field, on the sidelines of the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium held from April 14–16.
The deal establishes a framework to liberalise market access for airlines, allowing carriers from both countries to expand routes and operations. It includes provisions on traffic rights, airline designation and authorisation, user charges, recognition of licences, customs duties, tariffs and commercial activities.
The agreement is expected to boost competition in air transport, strengthen trade links and support economic growth. It could also encourage airlines to include Guyana in their international networks. There are currently no direct flights between the two countries.
The pact adds to more than 50 air services agreements Guyana has concluded with other ICAO member states to improve global connectivity.
Guyana and Morocco established diplomatic relations on December 14, 2012.

THAG welcomes easing of rules to tap US$300B destination wedding market

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) welcomed the government’s decision to reduce the 14-day residency requirement for couples seeking to marry in the country.
The reform, which follows THAG recommendations to the Ministry of Finance, aims to position Guyana in the fast-growing global destination wedding market and support the country’s creative industries, often referred to as the “Orange Economy.”
Destination weddings are among the fastest-growing niche tourism segments globally, valued at more than US$300 billion in 2023, according to Allied Market Research.

Caribbean destinations that allow weddings within 24 to 72 hours of arrival have successfully attracted this market and boosted tourism revenue. Guyana’s previous 14-day requirement had been a barrier, as most visitors stay four to 10 days. The change aligns Guyana with regional best practices.
THAG said the reform would also benefit the Orange Economy, which relies on services such as fashion, photography, décor, music, beauty, entertainment, and event styling. It is expected to create income opportunities for local artists, designers, performers, and small creative businesses.
“Beyond tourism revenue, this change will drive year-round demand for local suppliers and creative professionals, strengthening small businesses and community livelihoods while showcasing Guyana’s cultural and natural assets to the world,” THAG added.

Tourist arrivals hit 453,489; Guyana fastest-growing Caribbean tourism market in 2025

Posted on by Aliyah Persaud

 

The tourism sector recorded its strongest performance on record in 2025, with visitor arrivals rising 22 per cent year-on-year to 453,489, the highest annual total in the country’s history, according to official data.
The results underscore Guyana’s emergence as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the Caribbean, driven by expanded air connectivity, strong diaspora travel and growing international interest.
Visitor arrivals in November rose 8 per cent from a year earlier to 34,706, despite the month traditionally being a shoulder period for tourism. Growth was supported by increased diaspora travel for family and cultural events, improved airlift capacity and wider use of digital booking systems. The United States and Caribbean remained the leading source markets, while arrivals from Canada and Europe continued to increase steadily.
December arrivals climbed 21 per cent year-on-year to a record 47,337, the highest ever recorded for the month. The increase was fuelled by holiday travel, festive events, expanded regional connectivity and targeted marketing aimed at diaspora and leisure travellers. In addition to strong demand from the United States and Caribbean, arrivals from Europe and Latin America posted notable gains.

Market composition and drivers

For the full year, the United States accounted for 40 per cent of arrivals, followed by the Caribbean at 33 per cent. Canada and Latin America each represented 7 per cent, Europe 6 per cent, and other markets 7 per cent.
Authorities attributed the performance to expanded airline services and competitive fares, robust post-pandemic diaspora demand, successful sports and cultural tourism events, and improvements in digital data monitoring. Collaboration between public- and private-sector stakeholders also contributed to enhanced tourism infrastructure and promotion.

Regional comparison

Guyana’s growth was highlighted in the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) December 2025 regional tourism report. Between January and October 2025, international arrivals to Guyana rose 23.8 per cent, the highest growth rate among reporting Caribbean destinations. Dominica (16.2 per cent), Trinidad and Tobago (13.0 per cent) and the Cayman Islands (2.1 per cent) recorded lower growth.
Compared with pre-pandemic levels, arrivals to Guyana were 45.2 per cent higher than in 2019, placing it among the strongest tourism recoveries in the region. This outpaced Jamaica (6.1 per cent), Dominica (19.1 per cent) and St Vincent and the Grenadines (37.4 per cent).
The CTO report showed sustained double-digit growth across several months in 2025, including January (22.8 per cent), February (16.8 per cent), April (40.5 per cent), August (43.9 per cent), September (36.9 per cent) and October (28.9 per cent), indicating consistent momentum rather than isolated spikes.
The organisation identified Guyana as a regional leader in tourism growth and recovery, contrasting its performance with declines in destinations such as Cuba (19.9 per cent) and Jamaica (2.0 per cent).

Outlook

Guyana’s authorities expect the momentum to continue in 2026, supported by further investment in airlift, infrastructure, marketing and digital systems. Based on current trends, visitor arrivals are projected to reach about 550,000 by the end of 2026, as the country strengthens its eco-tourism brand and positions itself as a benchmark for sustainable tourism growth in the Caribbean.

Agri-tourism policy launched to boost rural jobs, farm-based tourism

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

A National Agri-Tourism Policy aiming to transform the country’s agricultural and tourism sectors by expanding farm-based experiences, strengthening value-added production, boosting agro-processing, and creating new opportunities for rural communities was launched today.
The policy was unveiled at Gobin’s Farm & Kitchen in Parika, where government officials, farmers, tour operators and international partners gathered for what authorities described as a major step in linking two fast-growing sectors: agriculture and tourism.
The policy was developed by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Guyana Tourism Authority, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues said the policy reflects a shift in how the country intends to use its agricultural heritage for economic growth.
“Today marks a pivotal moment… between the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture,” she said, noting rising global demand for niche products such as farm experiences, culinary travel and nature-based tours. Agri-tourism also supports cultural exchange and new income for farmers.
Agriculture Minister Vikash Ramkissoon said the policy aligns with broader plans for economic resilience, climate adaptation and food security.
He urged producers, community groups and tour operators to co-create experiences that reflect diverse cultures and landscapes.
Several pilot projects—including coconut tours, Indigenous culinary showcases, agro-processing demonstrations and farm-stay experiences—will be expanded nationwide.
Implementation is expected to start in early 2026, though the policy takes immediate effect.
The strategy is expected to improve farm-to-market links, encourage rural entrepreneurship and position the country as a regional leader in sustainable agri-tourism.

WTC Georgetown opens doors to connect Guyanese businesses with global markets

Posted on by Aliyah Persaud

The World Trade Centre (WTC) Georgetown was officially launched today with a formal opening ceremony at its Kingston headquarters, marking a historic moment for Guyana and the wider Caribbean.

As the first World Trade Centre in the CARICOM region, WTC Georgetown is poised to serve as a vital bridge connecting local businesses to the vast global network of trade, innovation, and investment.

Executive Chairman Komal Samaroo, in his address, reflected on Guyana’s rich history of trade and economic transformation. He recalled the early days of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and underscored how the evolution of global commerce continues to shape opportunities for Guyana’s private sector.

Executive Chairman Komal Samaroo

“Today, the importance of this centre is greater than ever before. Because I believe, once the global system has failed us, then the need for greater bilateral relations need to take place between countries and companies. And businesses need to chart their own course in building their markets– a process that requires knowledge, information and partners,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, said the centre is a timely development, as Guyana is positioned as a point through which northern Brazil and the rest of South America are better able to trade with the Caribbean and other areas.

“With all of these conditions and in particular with a president that is committed to ensuring strong and resilient economic growth going forward, the promotion of trade would seem to be a no-brainer. The establishment of the World Trade Centre Georgetown– it comes precisely at the right moment in our country’s economic history, and we see it as having tremendous potential in relation to unlocking trade opportunities for the rest of the Guyanese private sector,” he said.

Vice Chairman of the World Trade Centre Association, Remy Swaab, in his remarks, said the opening of WTC Georgetown signals new possibilities for Guyana and CARICOM. He described the centre as a catalyst for growth — one that will help entrepreneurs and enterprises reach beyond borders and strengthen the region’s global business connections.

Additionally, Executive Director of the World Trade Centre Bengaluru in India, Vineet Verma, described WTC Georgetown as a vibrant new hub for business and diplomacy, expressing optimism for future collaborations between centres worldwide.

TOTALTEC launches SOMA Hotel and Restaurant, creating jobs and strengthening Guyana’s hospitality sector

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

TOTALTEC has officially opened its new SOMA Hotel and Restaurant in Houston, Greater Georgetown, marking a major development in Guyana’s expanding hospitality industry.

The project is expected to generate between 60 and 100 direct and indirect jobs, creating employment opportunities in hotel operations, food and beverage services, and facility maintenance.

SOMA is a venture by the Guyanese-owned oil, gas, and logistics firm TOTALTEC, which continues to diversify its operations beyond the energy sector. Speaking at the opening, TOTALTEC Chief Executive Officer Lars Mangal said the project was envisioned as more than just another hospitality establishment.

“When we first imagined SOMA, we wanted to create more than a hotel or restaurant. We wanted to create a place of purpose,” Mangal said.

The project also supports a network of local suppliers and service providers, aligning with national workforce development priorities and local content goals. As the venture grows, TOTALTEC plans to expand SOMA across other key regions in Guyana, aiming to provide affordable, high-quality accommodation and dining experiences for business travelers, professionals, and industrial clients.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali welcomed the investment, highlighting its potential to strengthen Guyana’s economy.

“Private-led ventures like SOMA bode well for the country,” Dr. Ali said, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to transforming Guyana into a diversified economy with tourism and hospitality as key growth sectors.

With SOMA now operational, TOTALTEC positions itself at the forefront of Guyana’s evolving hospitality landscape, combining local employment growth with international-standard services.

Sustainable tourism must be central to Guyana’s development strategy, says THAG president

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Sustainable tourism must be at the heart of Guyana’s development strategy, Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) President Mitra Ramkumar said on Saturday in a message marking United Nations World Tourism Day 2025.

“In Guyana, sustainability is not a trend; it is a necessity,” Ramkumar said, pointing to the country’s globally recognised biodiversity, intact rainforests, and Indigenous cultures.

This year’s World Tourism Day is observed under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” Ramkumar said the message aligns with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which aims to turn the country’s natural and cultural assets into long-term livelihoods while conserving its ecological resources.

Over the past year, THAG has partnered with the government, local communities and the private sector to strengthen eco-tourism offerings, build capacity within villages, promote community-led experiences, support small businesses, encourage green infrastructure, and champion responsible travel.

“These efforts are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable tourism sector—one that brings value to all ten regions of Guyana,” he said.

Ramkumar cautioned that despite progress, “the journey toward sustainable transformation is far from over,” urging greater investment in human capital, forward-thinking policies, and leadership that balances environmental protection with economic growth.

“At its core, sustainable tourism means putting communities at the center of development,” he said. “It means ensuring that the stories of our people and landscapes are told with integrity, respect, and authenticity,” the THAG president added.

He called on local and international partners to support Guyana’s green tourism movement through investments in renewable energy, waste reduction, and water stewardship.

“Let us use this opportunity to reimagine the future of travel: a future that empowers our people, protects our environment, and leaves a lasting legacy we can all be proud of,” Ramkumar said.

From Santa Rosa to national tourism leadership: Candace Phillips is inspiring change

Posted on by Aliyah Persaud

For Candace Phillips, of Lokono (Arawak) heritage, the winding river journeys of her childhood shaped more than just memories—they shaped her life’s work. Born in Santa Rosa, Region One, and raised in Georgetown by her mother, she often longed for the trips to Moruca and the comforting embrace of her grandmother’s home.

Those moments, she says, “sparked a curiosity about culture and place” that would later blossom into her career.

Though she first studied Economics and spent time working in law, her true calling revealed itself when she joined the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA).

“It opened my eyes to Indigenous life in Guyana. I started to see the strength of our people, and I wanted to be part of preserving that,” Candace recalled.

That decision led her to the Rupununi, where she embraced a new path dedicated to heritage and community development.

In 2015, she accepted a role with Conservation International-Guyana, coordinating tourism in Region Nine and building what would become Visit Rupununi. For Candace, it was not merely about establishing an organisation—it was, in her words, “a labour of love.”

Her passion soon brought her into the national fold. In 2019, she joined the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) as a Product Development Officer, working alongside tourism stakeholders across the country to shape their visions into reality.

Today, she serves as the GTA’s Senior Manager of Product Development, overseeing an impressive expansion that has seen the launch of 65 new tourism experiences since 2020, many of them designed with Indigenous communities at their core.

Her work has always been anchored in patience, empathy, and respect—qualities that earned her the Tourism Angel Award from the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) earlier this year. The recognition affirmed her reputation as someone who listens deeply, collaborates authentically, and ensures that the people behind the products remain at the centre of the tourism story.

But Candace’s influence stretches beyond her professional role. Through her personal brand, A Path to Travel, she highlights the beauty of Destination Guyana while advocating for tourism that creates opportunities, protects traditions, and amplifies Indigenous voices.

For her, tourism is not simply about attracting visitors, it is about building bridges between the coast and hinterland, tradition and innovation, people and possibilities.

As Guyana celebrates Amerindian Heritage Month 2025 under the theme of unity, resilience, and cultural pride, Candace’s journey reflects these very ideals. From the rivers of Santa Rosa to the boardrooms of national tourism planning, she has carried her heritage with grace, ensuring that Indigenous communities remain not just beneficiaries of tourism, but leaders and storytellers in their own right.

Candace Phillips in the Rupununi
Candace Phillips in the Rupununi

Rodrigues champions experiential tourism at RideAlong GY launch

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues has announced a strategic shift towards enhancing visitor experiences in Guyana’s tourism sector.
Speaking at the launch of RideAlong GY’s new bicycle rental and training service at the Botanical Gardens on Sunday, she emphasised the importance of diversifying tourism offerings beyond traditional accommodations.
“Tourism is about the entire ecosystem,” Minister Rodrigues stated, adding: “It includes tours and experiences, cultural encounters, entertainment, transportation, and the ways visitors engage with our communities. Initiatives like this add significant value to Destination Guyana and help us create memorable, world-class experiences.”
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, the President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, and other industry representatives.
RideAlong GY, founded by entrepreneur Cherry-Ann Greene, offers a unique opportunity for both locals and tourists to explore the historic Botanical Gardens through eco-friendly cycling. The service provides a safe, designated space for cycling, allowing visitors to enjoy the gardens without the risks associated with road traffic.

Minister Rodrigues ‘on the wheels’ at the launch

Minister Rodrigues commended Greene’s vision and dedication, noting that RideAlong GY exemplifies how individual creativity and perseverance can add significant value to Guyana’s growing tourism landscape. She highlighted the company’s consistent innovation and its alignment with the government’s strategy to diversify and strengthen the tourism sector.
The minister also emphasised the importance of building stronger connections among stakeholders in the tourism industry. “If we are to develop a robust tourism industry, we cannot work in silos. Hotels, tour operators, guides, and service providers must all see themselves as part of a larger framework under the Destination Guyana umbrella,” she stated.
RideAlong GY’s launch marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable tourism and fostering a culture of healthy recreation in Guyana. With the support of the ministry’s Small Business Green Tech Fund Grant, Greene has transformed her vision into a thriving venture that contributes to the nation’s tourism development.

CPL drives surge in bookings

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

There has been a significant increase in tourists booking tours to Guyana, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar, has reported.
He said that while September is usually a slower month for the tourism industry, this year has been different, with visitors flocking to Guyana for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) cricket.
Speaking on the latest edition of Ignite Insights, Ramkumar highlighted a number of exciting side-trip experiences available for tourists.
“There are a number of day trips that you can do. You can do an Essequibo River tour where you touch many places on the Essequibo circuit, Fort Island, Saxacalli Beach, Arawai, Bartica, Baganara, Sloth Island. You can even choose one lodge or resort along the Essequibo and go for the day,” he highlighted.
Ramkumar added that businesses offering services such as Airbnbs and bed-and-breakfasts also benefit tremendously from the increase in tourist arrivals.
With September being designated Amerindian Heritage Month, Ramkumar said there are many cultural experiences available, while pointing to other attractive locations for exploration.
“You could do a day trip to Arrow Point [Nature Resort], you can go up the highway to Splashmins, there is also the ATV tour. You can catch a match and then go, or you can go and then catch the match in the evening. There’s a number of tours that one could have,” he emphasised.
Ramkumar explained that when tourists visit Guyana for specific events, the country’s rich and diverse culture often captivates them, prompting a return visit.