With 2023 tourist arrivals exceeding 315,000, recording a 10.7% increase relative to the previous year, Guyana is on the cusp of becoming a leading sustainable tourism destination. This is according to Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh in his budget presentation on Monday.
The tourism sector of Guyana has always been a potential flagship industry, but its potential was stunted due to specific constraints, Singh stated. However, in 2024, the government is poised to make historic developments in tourism that will place Guyana on the map in terms of sustainable tourism, he said.
The government, the Minister said, is actively promoting private investment in the industry, addressing the second major constraint of availability and cost of international-standard hotel rooms. By the end of 2024, more than 1,000 world-class rooms will be added to the stock, many from internationally recognized chains such as Best Western, Marriott, Four Points Sheraton, AC Marriott, and Hyatt Place. Construction will continue on more hotel properties, particularly in Georgetown, West Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice.
To maintain service quality, the government in 2023 trained over 6,000 hospitality personnel, including in hygiene, sanitation, business, and social media marketing, leadership, and governance, and training will continue this year. Further-more, the government has allocated $530 million for lifelong learning by providing competence-based training and certification that meets regional standards.
Given that the government is keen on developing tourism products, particularly promoting experiential travel and high-quality experiences in nature, eco-, and adventure tourism, nine indigenous communities will get recognition for building their tourism enterprises through community inclusion and good governance practices.
Finally, the government is pursuing country-level accreditation from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Licenses have already been granted to over 300 tourism businesses and guides and the government will continue to issue licenses to certify at least 250 businesses and guides in all ten Administrative Regions, towards ensuring compliance with tourism regulations. With these efforts, Guyana is poised to become a sustainable tourism leader in the region and even globally, Singh said.
