Guyana’s long-acknowledged tourism promise is no longer a distant ambition—it is rapidly taking shape as a concrete, growth-driven sector poised to elevate the country onto the regional and global stages. With strategic investments underway and a clear national direction, Guyana is positioning itself as a future leader in sustainable tourism across the Caribbean and South America.
Addressing attendees at the opening of the Plaza Court Hotel on Main Street on Saturday, President Irfaan Ali made it clear that the country has moved beyond waiting for opportunity. Instead, Guyana is actively pursuing a vision grounded in action, infrastructure, and confidence.
He emphasised that the nation is no longer anticipating a tourism upswing—the expansion is already underway. Development, he noted, is unfolding step by step through tangible investments, from aviation facilities and hotels to transport corridors and community readiness. Guyana, he declared, is stepping confidently into the competitive arena of international tourism, no longer observing from the sidelines but actively pursuing market share with determination.
For decades, Guyana was often described as a destination rich in ecological beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure potential, yet those strengths remained largely underdeveloped. According to the President, that narrative is now changing. What was once seen as dormant potential is being translated into measurable outcomes, real visitor experiences, and economic performance.
At the heart of this shift is a national mission to establish Guyana as the leading sustainable tourism destination in the wider region. He explained that the strategy is built on harmonising environmental preservation, cultural authenticity, and high-quality hospitality, while ensuring that tourism-driven growth benefits communities across the country.
Supporting this ambition is a strong focus on infrastructure. The government’s investments are intended to create an environment in which tourists can travel seamlessly and investors can operate with certainty. Improved accessibility, modern facilities, and community preparedness are central to the tourism model being rolled out.
Speaking at the hotel’s opening during the same event, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues said the launch of the Plaza Court Hotel comes at a pivotal moment in Guyana’s tourism and economic development. She emphasised that tourism is no longer merely a supporting industry but has evolved into a strategic sector that generates employment, drives private investment, earns foreign exchange, and strengthens Guyana’s international profile as a destination for business, leisure, and sustainable development.
Minister Susan Rodrigues highlighted that Guyana recorded a 22 per cent increase in visitor arrivals in 2025, describing this growth as a strong indicator of the country’s market performance and regional competitiveness. She noted that the Plaza Court Hotel will add much-needed room capacity to the capital, easing pressure on existing facilities and elevating accommodation standards. She said this expansion will enhance Guyana’s ability to attract repeat visitors, host major events, and meet growing demand from business and regional travellers.
Furthermore, the President emphasised that tourism success is not achieved through marketing alone but through physical realities—efficient airports, roads linking destinations, ports welcoming visitors, and communities ready to host. This philosophy has driven large-scale investment in both social and economic infrastructure nationwide.
A key component of the plan is to transform national connectivity. Extensive bridge and road projects are underway to improve regional connectivity, enhancing both domestic mobility and visitor access. Upgraded airport infrastructure and new river crossings—including bridges over the Demerara, Berbice, Wismar, and Kurupukari rivers—are set to redefine how people experience travel within Guyana. The long-anticipated road link to Lethem is also part of this broader connectivity push.
These developments, the President noted, are not just about tourism—they are about positioning Guyana for long-term prosperity. Strategic projects such as deep-water port development, the expansion of Palmyra, and the creation of industrial estates align with the tourism vision to ensure diversified, resilient growth.
In closing, he made it clear that Guyana’s role in regional tourism has fundamentally changed. The country is no longer a theoretical prospect but an assertive entrant with a clear strategy, growing infrastructure, and unwavering confidence in its future as a premier destination.