GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Guyana’s tourism industry is set for further expansion, with the country’s accommodation capacity projected to approach 6,000 rooms by the end of 2026, as growing investments in hotels and hospitality infrastructure strengthen its ability to welcome more visitors.
Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, highlighted the sector’s development while addressing the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026. He noted that the country’s available accommodation has expanded significantly since 2020, supported by new hotel developments and investment from international hospitality brands.
International Hotel Brands Expand Their Presence
Guyana’s hospitality sector has attracted established international hotel brands, including Hyatt, AC by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton, alongside the development of additional accommodation properties.
The expansion is expected to improve the country’s capacity to accommodate business travellers, tourists and delegates attending regional and international events.
Baksh also indicated that another 15 hotels are expected to enter the market after 2026, signalling continued investment in the country’s tourism infrastructure.
Conference Tourism Creates New Opportunities
The growth in accommodation is supporting Guyana’s ambition to establish itself as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).
According to Baksh, Guyana hosted more than 20 conferences and exhibitions during 2026, attracting visitors and generating business for hotels, restaurants, bars, transportation providers and other tourism-related enterprises.
Conference tourism is creating opportunities for local businesses to expand their services, increase sales and build connections with international visitors.
The expanding hotel network is expected to strengthen Guyana’s ability to accommodate larger events while supporting the growth of leisure travel and diaspora tourism.
Investment in Tourism Training and Skills
Baksh stressed that the development of accommodation infrastructure must be matched by improvements in service quality and workforce capacity.
The Hospitality and Tourism Institute, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, is intended to help address the demand for skilled workers as the industry expands.
The institution will support training and skills development for people pursuing careers in hospitality, tourism management and related services.
Developing a skilled workforce will be important to maintaining service standards and ensuring that visitors receive positive experiences throughout their stay.
New Experiences to Attract Visitors
Alongside hotel construction, Guyana has introduced approximately 80 new tours and tourism experiences over the past six years, working with private-sector operators to diversify the country’s tourism offerings.
These experiences are intended to encourage visitors to explore Guyana’s natural attractions, cultural heritage and communities beyond traditional destinations.
The continued development of tourism products, together with improved accommodation and services, is expected to support the country’s efforts to attract a wider range of international visitors.
As Guyana’s hospitality industry expands, investment in accommodation, tourism training and new visitor experiences will remain important to strengthening the sector’s contribution to employment, entrepreneurship and economic diversification.