Guyana’s Tourism Sector Set to Thrive as Government Launches Major Investment Strategy, Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on December 3, 2025

Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the country’s tourism sector into a powerful engine of economic growth in an optimistic and determined speech. Addressing a packed room at the Guyana Tourism Authority’s 2025 Awards and Gala, he underscored the vast potential that lies ahead of Guyana in the tourism industry, which, highly world-renowned for its ecotourism, hasn’t yet shown much progress in capitalizing upon those opportunities.

Breaking Down Barriers for Tourism Investment

One of the key points of President Ali’s address was the need to bridge the gap between available opportunities and investors. He revealed that the Guyana Office for Investment had not received any significant investment applications despite a rising interest in the sector. The President noted that many investors, unaware of the incentives available, often asked for more without taking advantage of what already exists. To address this issue, the President announced plans to establish a team of dedicated professionals who will assist local operators in transforming their ideas into viable business ventures.

This new initiative aims to help tourism operators write business plans, prepare proposals, form consortia, and navigate regulatory compliance. The President’s message was clear: “If you want to be part of this sector, you must abide by the rules and governance requirements,” he said, urging operators to work with the newly formed professional team to bring their ideas to life.

A Unified Approach for Tourism Development

In his speech, President Ali stressed the importance of a unified approach to tourism development. He called for a collaborative effort between the tourism sector, including the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), the Ministry of Finance, GoInvest, and the new professional team. The aim is to support operators from the concept stage through to the final investment agreement, providing the necessary resources and guidance to turn visions into reality.

This call for unity was reinforced with the announcement that nine major Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for tourism investments had recently crossed his desk, further demonstrating the increasing interest in Guyana’s potential. The President emphasized that by pooling resources and working together, local operators could secure significant funding for large-scale projects that would benefit both the tourism sector and the country as a whole.

Government Investment in Infrastructure

President Ali also highlighted the significant strides the government has made in investing in tourism infrastructure. This includes the construction of more than fifteen new hotels, the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport’s Terminal 2, and the upgrading of hinterland airstrips. Additionally, the government is focusing on enhancing waterfront areas, marinas, museums, botanical gardens, and modern ferries, all of which form part of a comprehensive national strategy to modernize Guyana’s tourism ecosystem.

“These investments are not isolated,” President Ali stated. “They are part of a concerted national effort to modernize every aspect of the tourism experience and position Guyana as a top global destination.”

A Vision for a World-Class Destination

President Ali’s vision for Guyana’s tourism industry extends beyond infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of elevating the country’s image on the global stage and pointed to the country’s ongoing national beautification campaigns spearheaded by First Lady Arya Ali. These efforts have transformed public spaces across the country, enhancing Guyana’s appeal as a destination for both domestic and international visitors.

“We are creating a destination, and we must fight for it,” President Ali declared, stressing the need for continuous efforts to make Guyana a competitive player in the global tourism market.

Major Global Events on the Horizon

As part of its tourism development strategy, Guyana has already entered discussions to host major global sporting and cultural events. President Ali confirmed that a formal bid has been submitted for an “extraordinary global event” set to take place in 2030, although details remain under wraps. This is just one example of the country’s ambitious plans to attract attention on the world stage and further solidify its position as a must-visit destination.

Guyana’s Tourism Potential is Realized

Guyana’s tourism sector has already begun to show promising results. Between January and July 2025, visitor arrivals surged by 18%, a clear indication that the country’s appeal is growing. In addition, Guyana recently earned a bronze award at the Japan Tourism Exhibition and has secured multiple international tourism honors in recent years. These achievements demonstrate that Guyana is on the right path, and the world is beginning to take notice.

With the global tourism industry reaching new heights, President Ali believes Guyana is standing at a rare moment in history—a moment that could define the country’s future. “The world is discovering Guyana,” he said. “Demand is rising, our strategy is working, and this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We must seize it.”

Guyana’s Tourism Future: Seizing the Moment

In short, President Ali’s message could not have been clearer or resolute: Guyana has all the ingredients to be a global tourism powerhouse. Continued government investment, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships place the country in an enviable position to capitalize on growing interest in travel and tourism. As the world continues to discover Guyana, this emerging destination is bright with promise for the future.