18% increase in visitor arrivals for 1st half of 2023 – GTA

As Guyana continues to welcome international travellers seeking captivating tourism experiences, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), in its half-year report, stated that it recorded an 18 per cent increase of visitors when compared to the same period last year.
From January to May 2023, a total of 124,973 visitors were processed through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, the Lethem Ports of Entry, and the Moleson Creek Ferry Terminal. And the GTA has projected visitor arrivals for January-December 2023 to be 335,873.
According to statistical projections by the GTA, the resumption of flights to Guyana through British Airways will bring approximately 33,488 more travellers annually to the country, automatically increasing the visitor arrival figures.
“Based on statistical projections by the GTA, the resumption of flights to Guyana through the British Airways connection will bring approximately 33,488 more travellers annually to Guyana, automatically increasing the country’s visitor arrival figures, as penetration into existing and new markets is inevitable,” the GTA said in its report.
Additionally, as the country’s tourism potential continues to accrue commendable international media coverage, Trail Finders, one of the largest travel agents in the United Kingdom, has already started promoting five holiday experiences in Guyana. Journey Latin America has also launched a new trip to Guyana. And further recognition includes features in prominent international media publications, including Forbes, The Times, Telegraph, Daily Mail, and Worldly Adventurer.
Speaking on the future of the tourism sector, the Director of the GTA, Kamrul Baksh, commented that Guyana is envisioned to become a premier destination for travellers seeking immersive experiences.
“The future of tourism holds immense promise, as we envision Guyana becoming a premier destination for discerning travellers seeking authentic and immersive experiences. We are poised to unlock new opportunities and shape a sustainable tourism landscape by harnessing our country’s rich natural and cultural heritage,” the GTA director has shared.
He added, “With our commitment to community-led initiatives, environmental stewardship and strategic partnerships, we are confident in creating a vibrant and inclusive tourism sector that will leave a positive and lasting impact on Guyana and its people.”
Meanwhile, in March, Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, had shared that Government is aiming for one million passenger arrivals by 2025.
Indar revealed that as many as 660,000 persons have travelled to Guyana in 2022. He was optimistic that this could be increased to one million passengers by 2025.
Minister Indar has attributed this growth to the massive economic expansion.
“We have the fastest growth rate in the world. You don’t get that accolade simply by having passive policies. You have to really have aggressive policies to develop your country. And because of all of the investment, inward investment coupled with oil and the other areas we’re developing, we’re seeing a massive amount of traffic into Guyana,” he said.
“Last year alone we had about 660,000. We’re hoping, by 2025, we have about one million people in Guyana. That means the environment in which they come to invest must be conducive for investment. And they must be able to get here with ease,” Indar had said.

Training
Recognising the importance of improving the human resource capacity within the tourism industry, the GTA has set ambitious goals to train a minimum of 2,000 individuals by the end of 2023, focusing on priority areas such as health, safety, security & environment; delivering quality service; first aid & CPR; introduction to tourism and mixology; housekeeping; and tour guiding.
As at June 2023, the GTA has successfully trained 1238 persons. This training ensures that tourism professionals possess the necessary competencies and knowledge to deliver exceptional experiences while upholding the highest standards of safety and service quality.
This commitment to training enhances individual skills and contributes to the overall growth and success of the tourism industry in Guyana. The emphasis on delivering quality service ensures that tourism practitioners deliver exceptional experiences, fostering a positive image of Guyana.
Further, the introduction to tourism and mixology training cultivates a deep understanding of the tourism industry and the art of mixology, fostering innovation and creativity within the sector. Through continuous investment in training, the GTA will, without doubt, foster highly skilled human resources capable of delivering exceptional experiences and driving the country toward a prosperous and sustainable future.
The GTA is a semi-autonomous governmental organisation responsible for developing and promoting sustainable tourism in Guyana. The GTA has played a fundamental role in developing, regulating and promoting Guyana’s natural and cultural treasures to the world. Over the past two decades, the organisation has worked tirelessly to showcase the country’s unique blend of biodiversity, rich heritage, and warm hospitality.