Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Oneidge Walrond recently delivered a pointed critique of the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), accusing the coalition of lacking vision and failing to implement significant development projects during its tenure from 2015 to 2020.
In her remarks, Minister Walrond highlighted that the coalition’s approach to governance was primarily focused on obstructing the initiatives of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) rather than proposing their own ideas. This, she argued, led to a period of stagnation in Guyana. “For five years, nothing happened. Guyana became a dead nation,” Walrond stated, reflecting on the lack of progress under the previous administration.
During the APNU+AFC administration, Guyana’s tourism sector remained in its early stages, heavily dependent on basic development factors rather than strategic planning and marketing. The sector faced several challenges, including high air travel costs, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of certified lodging options, all contributing to its sluggish growth. Despite its potential as a key economic driver, the tourism industry saw little to no transformative progress under APNU+AFC.
Critics of the former administration noted that it lacked a clear vision for tourism development, resulting in a period of inactivity. Minister Walrond pointed out that the absence of robust marketing and development strategies prevented Guyana from capitalizing on its potential as a premier nature-based tourism destination. Additionally, the lack of significant government budgetary support and insufficient private sector investment further hindered the sector’s growth. This stagnation left Guyana struggling to attract international tourists, and the country failed to establish itself as a competitive player in the global tourism market.
REVITALIZATION UNDER PPP/C
In stark contrast, the PPP/C government, since taking office in 2020, has been credited with revitalizing Guyana’s tourism sector, leading to record increases in visitor arrivals and spending. Minister Walrond emphasized the substantial progress in tourism, noting that visitor arrivals have consistently increased yearly, breaking records since 2020. “People are coming to Guyana, and they’re staying a longer time and spending their dollars,” she highlighted.
She explained that this growth is a direct result of the government’s strategic efforts to diversify Guyana’s tourism offerings and promote the country as a top destination. The development of tourism products and experiences across various regions attracts more visitors and provides economic benefits to local communities. The Ministry of Finance’s Mid-Year Report 2024 underscored the nation’s continued rise as a global leader in sustainable tourism, bolstered by international recognition and strategic initiatives.
In March 2024, Guyana’s commitment to ecological and sustainable tourism received international acclaim when it was named Destination of the Year in the Ecological Tourism Category by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association. Additionally, Guyana earned the Silver Award for Best Initiatives for Indigenous Communities at the World Travel Market Latin America Responsible Tourism Awards. These accolades are expected to enhance the country’s profile on the global tourism stage, attracting more eco-conscious travelers.
The first half of 2024 saw a significant increase in visitor arrivals, with 170,744 tourists visiting the country, an uptick of 21,724 compared to the same period in 2023. This surge is attributed mainly to improved air connectivity and hosting major events and conferences, such as the famous Cricket Carnival. Introducing new flights by airlines like Sky High Dominicana, United Airlines, and American Airlines has made it easier for international tourists to visit Guyana, further fueling sector growth.
Projections suggest that Guyana could welcome up to 350,000 visitors by the end of 2024, marking the highest annual visitor count in the nation’s history. This growth is supported by the expansion of hotel infrastructure, with several new hotels, including Aiden Best Western, AC Marriott, and Marriott Courtyard, currently under construction. These developments are expected to significantly increase the country’s accommodation capacity, catering to the growing influx of tourists.
To ensure the tourism sector meets international standards, the PPP/C-led government has prioritized service quality improvements. This includes comprehensive hospitality and tourism training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of local workers. New tourism circuits are also being developed, and Agri-tourism is being promoted as a unique attraction, leveraging Guyana’s rich agricultural heritage.
With its continued focus on sustainable tourism and strategic investments in infrastructure and service quality, Guyana is emerging as a rising star in the global tourism industry. As the sector becomes a crucial component of the country’s economic diversification, the PPP/C government’s initiatives propel Guyana towards a prosperous future, moving beyond what Minister Walrond described as the “dead nation” era under APNU+AFC.