Construction of the Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute (HTTI) at Port Mourant, Berbice, has reached approximately 80 per cent completion, with the facility expected to be finished by the end of 2026.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues recently met with Minister of Education Sonia Parag and representatives of Niagara College in Canada to review progress on the project and discuss preparations for the institute’s academic programmes.
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, which is overseeing the development, reported that construction is progressing steadily as work continues towards the year-end completion target.
A key focus of the meeting was the development of curricula for the institute, being undertaken by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Niagara College. The partnership aims to ensure that the courses reflect the evolving needs of Guyana’s tourism and hospitality industries while meeting regional and international standards.
During the discussions, the tourism ministry outlined the sector’s workforce requirements, highlighting areas such as occupational demand, service delivery standards, existing skills gaps and the practical competencies graduates will need to enter the industry.
The curriculum development process is intended to ensure that students receive relevant, industry-focused training that prepares them for employment opportunities in Guyana’s expanding tourism and hospitality sector.
Minister Rodrigues was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Roger Rogers, Guyana Tourism Authority Director Kamrul Baksh and Director of Tourism Sunalie Raghubar.
Minister Parag attended with Permanent Secretary Shannielle Hoosein-Outar, Chief Education Officer Sadam Hussein and Chief Planning Officer Mishka White-Griffith. Niagara College was represented by Curriculum Development Expert Joyce Bott and Hospitality Expert Eric Mauke.
Once completed and operational, the HTTI is expected to strengthen Guyana’s hospitality and tourism workforce by equipping students with the professional knowledge and practical skills needed to support the industry’s continued growth.