Guyana’s tourism sector has begun 2026 strongly, with visitor arrivals rising sharply in January, according to figures released by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (MINTIC).
The ministry reported that 34,923 travellers entered the country in January 2026, a 17.2 per cent increase on the same period last year. The data highlights continued growth in international interest in Guyana as a destination.
The United States remained the largest contributor to visitor numbers, accounting for 38 per cent of total arrivals. This was followed by travellers from the Caribbean, who made up 29 per cent, and travellers from Latin America, who contributed 13 per cent. Canada accounted for eight per cent of arrivals, and European countries for six per cent.
MINTIC noted that the encouraging start to the year reflects the success of sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors and strategic efforts to broaden and enhance Guyana’s tourism product offering. The ministry expressed confidence that these initiatives will help sustain growth throughout 2026 and deepen tourism’s role in national economic development.
The positive January results build on an exceptional performance in 2025, when Guyana welcomed 453,489 visitors. That figure represented a 22 per cent rise on 2024 and was the highest annual arrival total ever recorded. At the time, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) described the outcome as confirmation of Guyana’s status as one of the Caribbean’s fastest-expanding tourism markets.
Looking ahead, the GTA has projected continued upward momentum in 2026, driven by improved air connectivity and a more diversified source market mix. The authority expects the country’s eco-tourism profile to gain further international recognition, reinforcing Guyana’s reputation for sustainable tourism. Visitor arrivals are forecast to reach approximately 550,000 by the end of the year.
Tourism development has also been supported by policy measures outlined in the government’s trillion-dollar 2026 budget. Key initiatives include eliminating residency requirements for destination weddings, lowering the costs of vehicle ownership and hinterland transport, and removing all import duties and taxes on all-terrain vehicles across all categories.
Alongside these measures, plans are underway to launch a new Hospitality and Tourism Institute and to host a State of the Industry Conference. The overarching objective for 2026 is to position Guyana as a leading destination for conferences, weddings, and family reunions—particularly for the diaspora—while continuing negotiations with major airlines to increase airlift capacity to the country.