The government is expanding sports tourism through targeted platforms and events, aiming to fortify Guyana’s sports economy and broaden its international visibility.
Speaking on the ‘Starting Point’ podcast, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, said efforts are being made to create an environment where athletes can benefit from their talents.
“It is creating an environment where our creatives can have a space to flourish and also for them to benefit from their creativity,” the minister said.
He noted that many creatives and athletes have expressed concerns over limited economic returns from their work.
However, he explained that the government’s approach is focused on creating opportunities through events and partnerships.
“We are actually showing you how you will benefit by pulling together these events. And centre to that is sports tourism very key, that is why we are bringing a whole host of tournaments here,” he added.
Among the major events highlighted was the GT Challenge de las Americas (Grand Prix), which will take place on July 11 and 12 at the South Dakota Circuit.
“That is happening for the first time in the Caribbean and it is being hosted here in Guyana. You will have cars from all across Central America and Latin America and major people will be here,” he said.
The minister also pointed to upcoming events such as the Global Super League and the Global T10 tape-ball tournament as part of a broader push to support the creative and entertainment industries.
“And so, it is building a system that can support the creative industry and that is what we are doing,” he said.
The government is committed to increasingly positioning sports, entertainment and tourism as interconnected sectors capable of generating employment, attracting international attention and creating new economic opportunities for local talent.