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Guyana’s mid-year report reveals soaring tourism figures

Guyana’s mid-year report for 2023 has unveiled remarkable growth in the country’s tourism sector, underpinned by rising visitor numbers and strategic infrastructure improvements.

During the first six months of this year, Guyana extended a warm welcome to 149,020 visitors, marking a significant surge of 16.2 percent compared to the same period last year. The months of March and April recorded the highest influx, attributed to increased business travel and the return of Guyanese nationals for the Easter holidays.

Notably, the United States and the Caribbean played pivotal roles, constituting 47 percent and 26 percent of the total arrivals, respectively. The prospect of surpassing the previous record of 314,727 visitors from 2019 seems promising, with upcoming events such as the Cricket Carnival, International Building Expo, Agri Expo, and GuyExpo scheduled for the latter half of the year.

It was also noted that improved accessibility has played a crucial role in facilitating this surge, with new flight routes to Barbados, Cuba, Jamaica, and Suriname that were initiated by Fly Allways in February, followed by British Airways’ twice-weekly operations from the United Kingdom and Europe in March.

The report also stated that the private sector is making commendable strides in expanding accommodation capacity to cater to the growing tourist numbers. The Courtyard by Marriott at Timehri and Aiden by Best Western are on track for completion in January 2024, with the Four Points Sheraton at Houston expected to follow in the third quarter of 2024. It further noted that the AC Marriott at Ogle is also progressing well and is set to add 150 rooms and around 400 jobs upon its completion in July 2024.

Furthermore, the report was also keen to note that Guyana is focusing on regulatory improvements, with clinics and online licensing portals aiding in the compliance of tourism businesses. Over 800 individuals in the hospitality sector have received training in various areas, fostering skills development in the industry.

Safety also remains a top priority, with plans to expand safety management programs and develop niche product safety guidelines for various activities. The government is also working on global accreditation through the ‘Good Travel Seal’ program under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, according to the report.

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Welcome to the Online Edition of our 2024 EXPLORE GUYANA MAGAZINE – The Official Tourist Magazine of Guyana.

EXPLORE GUYANA , the premier magazine of its kind in Guyana serves as our primary marketing tool and comprehensive guide for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers visiting eco-friendly Guyana.

Crafted by the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and fully supported by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), it not only delivers essential industry updates but also raises awareness about local sustainable development projects that positively impact communities, culture, and the economy.

Moreover, it champions environmental conservation while showcasing the diverse attractions throughout the destination.

Distributed freely across the nation and through domestic, regional, and international tourism stakeholders and travel partners in Europe and North America, EXPLORE GUYANA is an essential resource for travellers. 

Published annually through a longstanding partnership with Advertising & Marketing Services (AMS), a renowned leader in Caribbean destination and investment publications, it ensures quality and reliability in every edition.

Discover an uncharted journey and immerse yourself in nature’s finest offerings.

Embark on an Exploration of Guyana!

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• GUYANA OFFICE FOR INVESTMENT | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

• World’s #1 Eco-Tourism – Guyana is recognized as the world’s #1 Eco-tourism destination, Best in Sustainable Tourism, and Top 10 Sustainable Destination (2019)
• 9 Sustainable Experiences in Latin America for 2021
• Wanderlust Magazine-Top 20 destinations to visit in 2021
• Condé Nast Traveler-Community-led and owned Tourism
•   3rd Largest Export Sector – Tourism is the 3rd largest export earner sector in Guyana after oil and natural resources
• GDP – The total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP is estimated to be 7.8% (2018)
• Earnings- Guyana has earned approximately $24 billion (Sept 2021) based on the average expenditure per visitor per type at US$1,060.
• Job Creation – Travel and Tourism contributes to 22,000 jobs in Guyana (2018)
• Travel and Tourism – Travel and Tourism injected approximately G$62.6B directly into Guyana’s economy (2018)-Travel and tourism investment in Guyana is projected to increase to GY$7.7B by 2028
• Visitors – Guyana visitor arrivals increased to 131,381 in 2021, a 52 percent increase over 2020.
• Expenditure – Based on the analysis of the VEMS survey of the BoS, GTA estimates that the average expenditure per international visit is GY$222,216
• Contribution – Tourism contributes to Guyana’s Green State Agenda and all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals

OVERALL STRATEGY

• Establish several world class eco-retreats.
• Promote nature, adventure and ecotourism, both locally and internationally
• Removal of VAT on hinterland travel
• Increase in world class hotels; estimated needs of 2000 additional rooms
• Special incentives for new hotels and businesses
• Employment opportunities and income
• Strengthen and grow the workforce
• Establishment of Hospitality Training Institute

Budget 2022 Highlights

• 300 million for the Small Business Development Fund
• Industrial Estates to be established in Regions 2&10. 300 million for access road infrastructure to new Industrial Estate in Enmore
• New airlift to be added in 2022, bringing over 5,000 more seats per year.
• By the end of  2022, 8 new hotels would have commenced construction
• 12 new tourism products further diversifying our tourism experience
• Tourism and Business Facilitation Centre to be established in Lethem
• 3,000 persons in the tourism sector to be trained in 2022: Largest tourism training campaign
• Establishment of  Guyana Online Tourism Training Academy
• $2 billion towards Rural Enterprise Development
• Modernisation of trade operations through the development of the Electronic Single Window initiative to enhance the ease of doing business

WHY INVEST?

• Guyana’s pristine forest, dozens of waterfalls, stunning sun kissed savannahs, majestic mountains, breathtaking bio-diversity and unique, authentic cultural, adventure and indigenous experiences, make it the PERFECT destination for a lodge.
• Open foreign investment regime (incentives offered).
• A growing and expanding tourism industry.
• A wealth of tourism investment opportunities.
• Priority government support for tourism investment.
• Expanding international aviation capacity.
• Strategic location;-Guyana is part of both South America and the Caribbean.
• Off the beat path destination.
• A country practicing sustainable tourism, given its low carbon development strategy model.
• Affordable labour.
• A secure and stable environment to do business.
• Language (English-Speaking).

Investment Areas

Potential Locations for Investment

• Region 2&3 -Beaches, resorts, falls, lakes, historical sites
• Soesdyke-Linden – Region 10 – River front investment ideal
• The Rupununi – Region 9 – Gateway to the Savannahs

Existing attractions and activities Kaieteur Falls Park- single largest free fall waterfall in the world by volume of water poring over it.

Development area as a major tourist destination

• Recreational facilities and activities
• Horseback riding
• Mountain biking

World Class Eco-Lodges or Resorts – To be developed in the interior

Niche Market Products

• Investments in the infrastructure, facilities and services to support market segments such as.
• Bird watching
• Deep – sea or river fishing

Hospitality services

• Development of world class hotels
• Restaurants
• Eco-Retreats

Development of business services

• Convention services
• VIP  Transportation
• Communications

Eco-Retreat Amenities

• Nature trail
• Animal Reserve
• Bird Trailing
• Agri-Tourism and Culinary Fusion
• Entertainment
• Natural Wellness Spa
• Gift shop/Indigenous/Artesian boutique

Transportation Services

• Expansion of scheduled and chartered air services
• Expansion of boat and car rental services

Craft Industry

• Expansion of craft production

Development Project

• Development of International Drag Racing
• Favourable tax concessions.
• Tax Holidays
• Exemption from Corporation Tax with respect to income from new economic activity of a developmental and risk bearing must create new employment in Regions 1,7,8,9 & 10.
• Vast land available for eco-retreats and pristine non-touched lands for agro tourism.
• Tax exemption for NEW hotels/guesthouses/Inns in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 should not have less than thirty (30) guest rooms and tax exemption for NEW hotels/guesthouses/inns in Regions 1, 7, 8, 9, & 10 should not have less than fifteen (15) guest rooms.
• Full custom duty and VAT exemptions on the value of the investment on building materials, fittings, equipment furnishing and appliances.
• Full excise tax exemption on the value of each motor vehicle.
• Expansion of hotels/guesthouses and inns for Regions 1, 7, 8, 9 & 10, the current complement of guest rooms must be increased by no less than 3 rooms. For other regions, no less than 5 rooms and tax exemptions for expansion of lodges and resorts in all regions.
• Full customs duty and VAT exemptions on 50% of the value of the investment on building materials, fittings, equipment furnishing and appliances for extended part of the entity.
• New lodge or resort in Regions 1, 7, 8, 9, & 10 should have no less than eight (8) rooms, those in Regions 2, 3, 5 & 6 should have no less than fifteen (15) rooms and those in Region 4 should have no less than thirty (30) rooms.
• Full customs duty and VAT exemptions on the value of the investment on building materials, fittings, equipment furnishing and appliances.
• Tax exemption Tour operator
• Full customs duty, VAT and excise tax exemptions on 50% of the value of the investment on camping equipment, floating crafts, non-motorized collapsible mobile lodging with basic amenities and each motor vehicle.
• Full excise exemption on 50% of the value of each motor vehicle.
• Tax exemptions for expansion/re-tooling of operation of tour operators.
• Full customs duty, VAT and excise tax exemptions on 25% of the value of the investment on camping equipment, floating crafts, non-motorized collapsible mobile lodging with basic amenities and each motor vehicle.
• Full duty, excise tax and VAT exemption on 25% of the value of each motor vehicle.

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Culture, history part of new focus for promoting Guyana’s tourism

Amid the massive reshaping of the tourism industry, the government is focused on finding ways to promote the rich culture of Guyanese as part of the tourist experiences offered.

In so doing, for Tourism Awareness Month this year, the history of Guyanese peoples will be on display at the Walter Roth Museum located on Main Street, Georgetown and indigenous communities that rely on tourism will offer special tour deals.

During the official launch of the month’s activities at the Museum of Anthropology, Kamrul Baksh, the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority said in keeping with the theme: “Cultural Tapestry: Investing in our people, enriching our heritage”, local tourism agencies will highlight the indigenous culture using new initiatives – the ‘Discover Guyana Passport’ and the ‘Guyana Escapes 2023’.

The Discover Guyana Passport acts as a membership card for tourists to enter indigenous villages that have exciting tourist experiences to offer. This passport is being launched over the next five days. Meanwhile, the Guyana Tourism and Hospitality Association (THAG)’s initiative promotes Guyana’s eco-lodges and resorts by offering support needed to create promotional content and push marketing and promotional campaigns.

“We have the adopted attraction initiative, which basically is inviting members of civil society to come on board to one: appreciate the sites that we have the many attractions that we have, and to adopt as the titles is a particular space or attraction.

“What it does is that it gives you forty different packages that have been coined by 17 to 18 operators that takes you to explore nine different administrative regions,” Baksh explained.

In addition, it offers heavily discounted packages and also allows persons who travel to become eligible to earn at least $100,000 in tour value that can be claimed when touring in the next year.

The Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond said authentic experiences are vital for tourism and she pointed out that Guyana has deep rooted history and therefore must be promoted to attract visitors.

“I envision more events and locations where tourists can enjoy the tassa or African drums or experience our compelling array of dances.

“It is now customary in leading tourism destinations to utilize culture as a main facet of tourism promotion, particularly at ports of entry. The point I’m making is that there is a link between our cultural tourism or culture-healthy heritage and tourism. Therefore going forward, we can expect to see a wider integration of culture within our tourism trust,” the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce said.

The government has invested heavily in the tourism sector but according to the subject minister, support from the private sector is necessary. During the ceremony, the minister pitched the idea of the private sector creating performing shows similar to those in Los Vegas utilizing the local talent here. She said the hotels can have performance nights when people get to attend shows with strictly local performers representing Guyana’s rich culture.

“I will encourage the private sector to monetize this talent, that it shouldn’t be left to this government alone to give these talented young people and this just a fraction of who they are because you see how long the program was,” Minister Walrond said.

Toshao Sonia Latchman said these initiatives are great for promoting the diverse cultures of the Guyanese people.

“Tourism initiatives support local livelihood, provide employment opportunities and empower indigenous people to showcase our traditions.

“This not only enhances the economic well-being of our communities but also strengthens our identity and pride in our cultural heritage. These efforts have led to increased employment opportunities within the villages contributing to a rise in income and improved standard of living for our Amerindian peoples,” Toshao Latchman said.

There are more than 35 events spanning November planned for Tourism Awareness Month inclusive of the highly anticipated Guyana Rum Festival and South Rupununi Safari.

Mahdia Fire Station received new water bowser, other equipment after dormitory tragedy

30,000 firearm license applications pending – Jagdeo

Industrial relations ‘turned upside’ by Justice Kissoon’s decision – Gov’t

High Court asks Gov’t not to deduct teachers’ salaries and deems strike ‘legitimate’

$7.7 B infrastructure development moving apace at new Stewartville Housing Scheme

39 persons from 13 countries now naturalised Guyanese

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• Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

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Revenue in the travel & tourism market in Guyana 2018-2028

Revenue in the travel & tourism market in guyana from 2018 to 2028 (in million u.s. dollars).

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Show sources information Show publisher information Use Ask Statista Research Service

February 2024

2018 to 2028

Definition:

The Travel & Tourism market encompasses a diverse range of accommodation services catering to the needs and preferences of travelers. This dynamic market includes package holidays, hotel accommodations, private vacation rentals, camping experiences, and cruises.

The market consists of five further markets.

• The Cruises market covers multi-day vacation trips on a cruise ship. The Cruises market encompasses exclusively passenger ticket revenues.
• The Vacation Rentals market comprises of private accommodation bookings which includes private holiday homes and houses as well as short-term rental of private rooms or flats.
• The Hotels market includes stays in hotels and professionally run guest houses.
• The Package Holidays market comprises of travel deals that normally contain travel and accommodation sold for one price, although optional further provisions can be included such as catering and tourist services.
• The Camping market includes bookings at camping sites for pitches using tents, campervans, or trailers. These can be associated with big chains or privately managed campsites.

Additional Information:

The main performance indicators of the Travel & Tourism market are revenues, average revenue per user (ARPU), users and user penetration rates. Additionally, online and offline sales channel shares display the distribution of online and offline bookings. The ARPU refers to the average revenue one user generates per year while the revenue represents the total booking volume. Revenues are generated through both online and offline sales channels and include exclusively B2C revenues and users for the above-mentioned markets. Users represent the aggregated number of guests. Each user is only counted once per year. Additional definitions for each market can be found within the respective market pages.

The booking volume includes all booked travels made by users from the selected region, independent of the departure and arrival. The scope includes domestic and outbound travel.

Prominent players in this sector include online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia and Opodo, as well as tour operators such as TUI. Specialized platforms like Hotels.com, Booking.com, and Airbnb facilitate the online booking of hotels and private accommodations, contributing significantly to the market's vibrancy.

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Guyana Means Business

Critically, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is mandated to ensure that the economy is aptly diversified with investments in all sectors especially in Tourism to ensure sustainable growth by preventing dependence on Oil and Gas.  

The Ministry’s core responsibility is to nurture a business-friendly environment, through the creation of policies, development and amendment of legislation and the implementation of other programs and initiatives.  

- Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce

To formulate and provide an effective mechanism for the implementation, evaluation and improvement of policies, the aim of which will be to facilitate economic and social improvement through coordinating actions in the areas of Commerce, Tourism, Industrial Development and Consumer Protection

The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Overarching Goal for 2022 is ‘to promote economic growth and improve social welfare through the safeguarding of Guyana’s sustainable Business and Tourism sectors.

• Improve the ease of doing business.
• Attract increased foreign investments.
• Support the development and export of value-added industries.
• Increase the economic opportunities and capabilities of vulnerable groups.
• Expand the capacity to develop and promote sustainable business –friendly policies.
• Increased tourist visitation, expenditure, satisfaction, length of stay, employment and investment in tourism.
• Develop and streamline sustainable tourism products.

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• |  March 4, 2024
• By Staff Reporter
• -  March 4, 2024

GUYANA’S natural assets hold an allure for unique travel and tourism experiences and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has signaled its support in the expansion of the country’s hospitality sector.

During a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, CDB’s Director of Projects Therese Turner-Jones said that projects undertaken by the Guyana Government to further unlock the country’s niche tourism product have been notable.

“Guyana is a massively wealthy country in terms of the resources. Its natural assets, the falls, Kaieteur, the rivers, the forest, animals in the forest have a lot of allure for some types of visitors… If you look at the growth in the tourism sector, eco-tourism, more nature-based tourism has become a whole niche and I think Guyana is well positioned for that,” Turner-Jones said.

Recently, the government turned the sod for Guyana’s first ever world-class Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute (HTTI) at Port Mourant, in Region Six. This US$7 million investment is being funded by the CDB.

“With the expansion of the hotels [and] with all the new business coming to Guyana, it’s important that people be trained in hotel management and all the different aspects of tourism,” Turner-Jones added, while noting that the bank will remain strong partners in supporting the country’s development endeavours.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Finance Senior Minister who also holds responsibility for Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, in an invited comment to this newspaper said the CDB has always been investing in Guyana and the country has been a proud member of the regional financial institution.

Currently, several world-class hotels are under construction, with the government looking to create a network of 2,000 rooms.

According to Dr. Singh, to drive growth in the hospitality and tourism sector, there is need for a quantum leap in service quality and innovation.

However, he noted that there was once a time where Guyana was not seen as having a massive tourism industry, but, now with partners like the CDB and other financial institutions and investors coming on board, there is vast potential for the industry.

“There was once a time where Guyana was not seen as having a big tourism industry or having a bright potential for tourism and so whether the CDB or any other institution, the likelihood of investing in tourism in traditionally tourism economies like Barbados and Antigua, ST. Lucia or Jamaica was considered greater than the likelihood of making an investment in tourism in Guyana …The fact that they are all investing in Guyana points to the global and regional recognition of the remarkable potential of the tourism industry in Guyana,” Dr. Singh said.

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• | 2024-04-20

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"A country largely overlooked by non-cricketing Brits...Intriguingly, the most “exotic” country in South America is the one where they speak English....Expertly managed lodges such as Iwokrama, Atta and Rewa in the rainforest, and Karanambu and Caiman House in the savannah, allow soft adventures..."

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12 Reasons Why Wildlife-Packed Guyana Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

By Author Steph Dyson

Posted on Last updated: 22nd January 2024

The South American continent, with its relics of ancient civilizations, millions of square kilometres of dense jungle that pumps oxygen out into the world and rich cultures that have survived invasions and epidemics, has become far more accessible to global travellers.

But I guarantee that for every country you might have visited, there are number you’ve never heard of.

Despite its profusion of pristine rainforest, larger-than-life wildlife and cultural heritage with roots across the globe, Guyana is one of those.

A country the size of Idaho or England, it hugs the Caribbean Ocean in the far northeast of the South American continent, tucked between Venezuela, Brazil and another forgotten enclave, Suriname.

Some compare it to Venezuela before the country collapsed into social and economic disrepair, while for others, its forest-cloaked interior feels like the remotest parts of Brazil.

I’ve spent the past nine years exploring South America and for me, Guyana has no comparison. It’s a place of mystery and intrigue; a nation where access to some of the continent’s most magnificent wildlife awaits at each and every remote jungle lodge.

And honestly, if I had to decide on a destination to travel this year, Guyana would win hands down. I’m not alone in this; it was included in Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel list for 2023 .

Don’t believe me? Here are 12 reasons why Guyana should be your next travel destination.

1. No one seems to have heard about Guyana yet

Let’s start at the beginning. One of the most ironic things about Guyana is that, despite all of its treasures, there’s something still missing.

They’re called tourists.

Guyana receives just a few hundred thousand visitors per year, and, even more remarkably, the vast majority make it no further than the capital city, Georgetown.

To put this into perspective, estimates suggest that just 4,000 tourists arrive to Guyana each week – which is about the same number that visits Machu Picchu in Peru each and every day .

The problem is, Guyana’s been winning awards left, right and centre for its sensitive and responsible approach to tourism. As a result, the secret of this wild land is slowly finding its way out into the world. 

If, like me, you love destinations where you can practically count the number of other visitors at major landmarks on just one hand, then Guyana really needs to become your next travel destination.

Wondering How You Can Plan A Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip to Guyana?

It’s genuinely difficult getting around Guyana without a tour. Roads are in poor condition and many of the sites are only accessible with a private plane or motorboat. I travelled to Guyana with Wilderness Explorers , a local company that has spent 25 years developing sustainable tourism in Guyana and organizing once-in-a-lifetime trips for intrepid travelers. The trip was truly incredible – and saved me so much time trying to get around alone.

They’re now offering Worldly Adventurer readers a 5% discount on all of their hand-crafted Guyana itineraries – just mention Worldly Adventurer when you enquire!

2 . Guyana’s home to one of the largest stretches of untouched rainforest on the planet

While the Amazon further south might be the Queen Bee of rainforest, few people have heard of the Guiana Shield.  

This is one of the largest stretches of untouched tropical rainforest on the planet , covering 270 million hectares and crossing into neighbouring Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Venezuela and some of Colombia. As a result, some 8 per cent of Guyana is covered in practically impenetrable rainforest.

Ultimately, this means that Guyana is not a place of modern conveniences and boutique hotels.

But what you will find here is disconnection from life and the opportunity to stop and appreciate pristine natural landscapes which are visited by few other humans.

3. There’s larger-than-life wildlife – and excellent chances for a sighting

Thanks to this extensive rainforest coverage, Guyana is an outstanding refuge for wildlife. While reserves such as Parque Nacional Madidi in the Amazon Jungle are considered some of the most biodiverse on the planet and excellent places to encounter rare species, Guyana is also worth its salt when it comes to the natural world.

What I learned about Guyana is that while you can never guarantee a sighting, there’s a strong chance you’ll spot at least one of the giant species for which the country is famed.

The most memorable moment on the trip was the 15 minutes I spent watching a recently-awoken giant anteater stumble around the grass. It was just metres from me and my camera – something I never once thought would have been possible.

Other sightings were equally impressive.

Giant river otters paddled playfully ahead of our canoe on a barely-rippled stretch of water.

Bird-eating spiders (the largest type of tarantula in the world) were tempted out of their burrows by our guides.

A puma even padding nonchalantly across the dirt highway in front of our van. We didn’t get to see a jaguar, but then again, you can’t have everything.

4. Exploring Guyana is an adventure from start to finish

Most visitors to Guyana head deep into the jungle of the interior. But, travelling through this country is no mean feat. This is because it’s home to a mere clutch of roads and just one main highway: an unpaved road slicing from Georgetown on the coast down to the south.

Guyana means “Land of Many Waters” and, as such, you can expect to spend plenty of your trip puttering up the mighty Essequibo River and its tributaries.

While boat transport certainly isn’t the most comfortable, it’s the prime opportunity for wildlife spotting.

Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll be rewarded with front-row views of osprey pelting the river as they pluck fish out of the water or the red howler monkeys scowling down from the forest canopy.

No form of transport promises a more spectacular vantage, though, than the light aircraft that connect the capital with the country’s most distant enclaves.

It’s likely you’ll take at least one flight and while it’s an exercise in trust (you really do hope the pilot knows what he’s doing), it’s also an extraordinary experience. You’ll spend the entire journey peering out of your window and appreciating the vast, seemingly unending carpet of rainforest and rivers below.

5. It’s home to one of the world’s most unsung waterfalls

Is it me or do some landforms get all the attention? Niagara and Iguazú – sure, they’re beautiful. Angel Falls: that’s one big set of falls. But there’s a world record holder that I bet you’ve never even heard of, and it’s found right here in Guyana.

Imagine standing on a viewpoint mere metres away as, second by second 30,000 gallons (113,500 litres) of water foam roar before you. Throw in a 741ft (226m) sheer drop and you’re got Kaieteur Falls – officially the world’s highest waterfall by volume and five times taller than Niagara.

But Katetuer’s majestic scale is trumped by the fact that this waterfall is practically a secret.

Like at most of Guyana’s treasures, it’ll be a busy day if there are more than a handful of other people when you arrive.   

6. Your visit is helping to preserve the rainforest

The climate emergency and flygskam (flight shame) have led many of us to actively reduce the number of flights that we take each year. However, while flying is believed to contribute around 2% to global carbon emissions , there’s still an argument that travel can do some good – and in Guyana, there’s a strong case for this.

Lodges across the country have made vital contributions to conservation. Indigenous-run Rewa Eco-Lodge is a case in point.

Surrounded by 350 square kilometres of now-protected rainforest, the community has played an integral part in protecting their jungle from the threats of gold mining, logging and oil extraction.

Tourism has enabled communities like this in Guyana to live sustainably, thus providing an alternative source of income.

As a result, the rainforest continues to absorb around 700,000 tonnes of carbon each year – which is enough to support the carbon production of 500,000 tourists flying in from New York or 250,000 flying from London .

7. Wildlife conservation lies at the heart of tourism

It’s fair to say that tourism is underdeveloped in Guyana, with only a scattering of hotels and lodges, tour agencies and operators to choose from.

But those that do exist have played a fundamental role in ensuring that Guyana’s astounding natural richness is protected.

Back at Rewa Eco-Lodge, the community has worked hard to encourage sustainable fishing, thus helping to revive the depleted population of arapaima one of the largest freshwater fish species on the planet. These fish can now be caught – on a catch-a-release basis, of course – at the lodge.

Another tourist lodge, Caiman House in the Rupununi grasslands of Guyana, runs a trailblazing scientific study into the black caiman – with their entire project funded by tourists visiting (and even participating in!) their research.

Further down the Rupununi River, Karanambu Lodge has played a pioneering role in giant river otter rehabilitation both in Guyana and around the globe. Lucky guests can often see cubs being reintroduced to the wild right here.

Visiting any of these lodges ensures that you travel responsibly as your money is going directly to organisations dedicated to conservation. There’s no greenwashing here.

8. You encounter a remarkable and unexpected blend of cultures

After only a short time in the country and you’ll already notice that Guyana has a remarkable ethnic blend of people.

These range from the descendants of African slaves, indigenous Amerindian tribes who survived colonisation, and East Indian settlers who arrived as indentured labourers in the 19 th century, as well as a handful of Guyanese whose ancestors were British and Dutch colonists.

Guyana’s culture is unique as a result and evident in everything from the architecture in Georgetown (British), the canal system along the coast (Dutch), to the food and festivities.

Try cassava, a woody shrub better known as manioc that is a staple feature of the Amerindian diet and used to make bread, stews and even wine, or in Georgetown, sample seven curry (a dish of seven types of curry served up on a water lily leaf) whose roots lie in the Indo-Guyanese population.

What’s more, if you visit in March, get involved in the celebrations for Holi, the traditional Hindu festival of colours or head out to the grasslands in the south of the country, where the Rupununi Rodeo celebrates Guyana’s vaquero or cowboy culture each Easter.

9. Tourism is supporting Guyana’s Amerindian communities

Community-led tourism, where local people have a say in how tourism is developed in their regions, is a hugely important and oft-forgotten feature of sustainable tourism . But again, it’s an area in which Guyana is excelling.

Many of the lodges that you visit during a stay in Guyana are community-led, set up by remote Amerindian villagers as a means to using tourism to both protect the rainforest and provide a sustainable new economy. Others are operated by families, but with employment and other benefits being felt by the wider community.

Wherever you stay, it’s guaranteed you’ll be attended by local guides – most of whom have outstanding knowledge of the jungle.

What’s more, the money you pay goes directly into local pockets or into funds to support village children to go to schools located hours away by boat.

Your spending also ensures young people have job opportunities in their communities and aren’t forced to upend themselves and move across the country for work.  

But even deeper, it’s worth noting that by visiting Guyana, every single dollar you spend helps to protect rural communities and, in turn, preserve indigenous cultures and heritage that have been lost in so many other parts of the world.

10. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise

While other countries in South America might have a greater number of bird species, Guyana’s 877 resident and migrant species promise an impressive opportunity for birdwatchers.

Indeed, ticking off 250 different types of birds in a two-week trip isn’t beyond the scale of possibility, with 200 found in the Botanical Gardens in Georgetown alone.

Headline species include the Guianan cock-of-the-rock, of which the bright orange male is the most eye-catching, and the endangered red siskin.

Beyond this, an array of macaws and parrots, herons and grebes, toucans and even the harpy eagle – with its claws that are larger than a bear’s – ensure that every moment spent outside is an opportunity to appreciate rare and impressive species.   

11. Communication is never an issue

While in the rest of South America, Spanish or Portuguese are the lingua franca, in Guyana, neither tongue will get you far. Instead, there’s a surprise awaiting you.

As a former British colony, Guyana is the only South American country where the official language is English. I wholeheartedly believe that travelling is more meaningful when you can communicate in the language of the nation you’re visiting .

Luckily, in Guyana, this means you can converse with practically everyone you meet.

While not everyone in the country speaks English with fluency, this does make for a truly fascinating opportunity to converse freely with the local people.

Expect to learn everything from ancestral customs to remarkable knowledge of the jungle that has been passed down over millennia.

12. Things are set to change – and fast

Which such a wealth of treasures, there’s no doubt that Guyana will soon become a popular international destination for travellers – and fast.

There are plenty of reasons why Guyana is a must-visit destination in South America, but, following the dark days of the pandemic, 2020 looks set to be the year of rapid change in this long-forgotten nation.

Crude oil was discovered in 2015 and the jury remains out on what impact extracting some eight billion barrels of oil and counting will have on Guyana, its nascent tourism industry and its biggest treasure – the environment.

While there can be no guarantees about what will happen in the next few years, it’s safe to say that the country will never be the same – giving you all the more incentive to travel there as soon as possible.

My trip to Guyana was in partnership with the Guyana Tourism Board and Wilderness Explorers . As always, my opinions (and absolute LOVE of Guyana) are all my own.

Rev Aloy Samuel

Thursday 9th of February 2023

Great indeed, I have long to visit Guyana, that has been my desire but I don't know how to go about it, I even want to serve in the Anglican communion church in Guyana which I I'm qualified as a priest of Anglican Church but I don't have any one to help me out, and I can even come along with my family, I pray that God will connect me one day

Thursday 12th of January 2023

Wow! Thanks for writing this article about Guyana! I didn't even think about visiting during my South America trip but will now have to check it out. How did you get around? Did you rent a car or take the bus? I will be by myself trying to figure out how to get around this country since it's not very touristy.

Steph Dyson

Thursday 19th of January 2023

Hi Alison, so I went as part of a trip with Wilderness Explorers, who are one of the best tour companies in the country. It's very hard to visit without a tour operator, as there are very few buses and a lot of the best lodges and locations are extremely remote and so very difficult to visit independently. I have heard of people doing it, though, but I don't have a huge amount of advice to give about that! It's definitely a country worth visiting, however! Steph

Katja Kirsch

Wednesday 27th of July 2022

My son works in Georgetown, a contractor. After reading this wonderful piece, I may have to go and visit. I love nature, wildlife and people who live with it not plunder it.

Monday 1st of August 2022

Yes you must! Steph

Sunday 14th of November 2021

`Hi, love your article. I am in Guyana now for another 10 days, who did you use for your water falls tour?

Thursday 25th of November 2021

Hi James, sorry I missed this comment so I don't think my response is going to be very helpful! We went with Wilderness Explorers for all of our trips. I hope you had a great time! Steph

John Staines

Monday 27th of April 2020

Great article on Guyana Steph, a country that interested my wife and I a few years ago but unfortunately we never made it. As nature lovers we have visited a few wonderful areas of Central and South America, luckily driving the Carretera Austral in Chile in November 2019. Guyana still appeals to us as a destination but due to our age (late 60's) we appreciate a little more comfort nowadays rather than some of the fairly basic places experienced in the past. I'm not talking of boutique hotels but good food / showers / electricity are always welcome. Also we tend to be quite independent and are not ones for being shown what we should see however as a nature photographer I know that local guides are invaluable. Can you recommend any reading matter that would give us more insight into accommodation, modes of transport etc. ……..assuming of course we survive Covid 19 !!

Thursday 14th of May 2020

Hi John, Bradt have an excellent guide on Guyana which gives you loads of logistical information. Ultimately, you're looking at chartered flights, lots of time in pretty uncomfortable boats (often without shade) and basic lodges that yes do have electricity, showers and excellent food, but you might find tarantulas living in your roof! I do think it's possible to visit the country independently, but you'll save a lot of time and logistical hassle if you book at least some of your trip with a local operator such as Wilderness Explorers (who will give you a 5% discount if you mention Worldly Adventurer). They arrange tours to Kaieteur Falls (which you can't really do without a tour), so can be useful even if you don't want to organise a tour completely with them. I'll be posting more content about Guyana in the near future but feel free to shoot me more questions if you have them! Steph

WELCOME – Minister Of Tourism, Industry And Commerce

This is particularly an exciting time for us in Guyana. We are already buoyed by our transformative development happening across our country, and equally enthusing, is the growth and expansion we have been experiencing within the tourism sector.

This magazine will be launched during our Cricket Carnival, which is a phenomenal sport attraction that highlights GuyanaÕs potential to be the entertainment capital of the Caribbean. But this is just the beginning. You can expect to see Guyana hosting more major events, including conferences and sport tournaments in the near future.

It is against this projected growth of tourist arrivals, that we continue to build capacity by expanding the available room stock. Apart from the 1500 international-branded hotel rooms that will become available soon, there has been a surge in bed and breakfast offerings and many Guyanese are now converting properties to bed and breakfast rentalsto meet the rising demand for accommodation.

Guyana is phenomenal and I encourage all of you to explore this unique product Destination Guyana; a land that offers an enthralling mix of rest and adventure. As you browse this magazine, this will become more and more evident. There are attractions and activities all across Guyana that will captivate you, whether you prefer safari, rodeo, regatta, birdwatching, game fishing, horseback riding or just the warmth and serenity of one of our indigenous communities.

As we interact with visitors and other stakeholders, more experiential travel products are being created so that visitors can be fully immersed in our culture and maximize on your experiences. Between September and December, 12 new products will be launched. I encourage you to look out for these new offerings and begin booking once they are announced. If you have suggestions on additional products or ways we can improve our existing ones, please reach out to us at the ministry. We would love to hear from you.

In closing, let me congratulate the publishers of Tourism Guyana 2022/2023 Magazine, for completing yet another edition. I see this publication as an important component of our tourism development. Thank you for your confidence and for appreciating the value of Destination Guyana.

To our visitors, use this magazine as another guide to identify must-visit places in Guyana. Happy travelling!

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232 tourism businesses licensed in 2023

Guyana’s tourism sector continues to expand with more persons getting involved in tourism businesses, with some 232 businesses being licensed in 2023 alone.

This year again existing and potential tourism businesses will have the opportunity to get licensed, as the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) is set to host its tourism business licensing clinic at the Arthur Chng Conference Centre on Friday.

GTA’s Director, Kamrul Baksh noted that the activity brought much success and resolved issues in compliance for tourism businesses last year.

“Our target this year is to get 250 businesses and guides at a minimum, and these clinics are certainly one of the ways that the GTA will use to get that figure attained,” Baksh explained.

He noted that the authority will also give support services to businesses that require additional guidance, training, and capacity building throughout the year.

The activity will see compliance and licensing agencies including the Guyana Revenue Authority, National Insurance Scheme, Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana Invest, Central Housing and Planning Authority, Maritime Administration, Mayor and Town Council.

Insurance Companies will also be present at the event.

Baksh said the agency anticipates the participation of a minimum of 75 businesses attending the clinic.

“So that stakeholders within our industry, hoteliers, tour operators [and] guides can come and get those burning questions answered, get updates, make payments, and so forth. the aim is to get everybody under a singular roof so that the process is very seamless and matters can be addressed at that one point in time,” the director underscored.  

To register, persons can call the GTA on telephone number 219-0093-6 or send a WhatsApp 638-5111.