Baganara Island Resort expands with new cottages, conference centre

…not just a destination, but a jewel in Guyana’s ecotourism crown, says PM Phillips

Baganara Island Resort, located approximately five miles off Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), along the Essequibo River, has further expanded its tourism product with the launch of five newly constructed overnight cottages and a modern conference centre, enhancing its capacity for both leisure and business tourism.
The addition of the five cottages, each comprising two rooms, brings 10 new rooms into service, increasing the resort’s total accommodation capacity to 36 rooms, as the eco-destination continues to position itself as a premier river-based resort for retreats, conferences and nature-focused getaways.

The launch of newly constructed overnight cottages and a modern conference centre marks a significant milestone for the resort, blending nature, comfort and business tourism in a setting defined by serenity and scenic beauty. The development positions Baganara not only as a retreat for leisure travellers but also as a competitive venue for conferences, meetings and high-level engagements, in line with the Government’s wider tourism strategy.

A jewel
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who deputised for President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, said, “The serenity and beauty of this place, and the sense of peace in every breath, remind us that Baganara is not just a destination; it is a jewel in Guyana’s ecotourism crown.”
He reflected on his long personal connection with the Essequibo River and the steady transformation of the area over more than four decades. He noted that Baganara’s evolution mirrors the broader growth of tourism investment along the river, describing the resort as a symbol of Guyana’s immense and still-growing potential in ecotourism and conference tourism.

The PM underscored that the resort’s tranquil surroundings, natural beauty and sense of peace make it more than just a destination but a space for renewal, reflection and collaboration. He pointed out that Baganara has already proven its capacity to host regional and international engagements, having previously accommodated the Concordia Amazonas Summit and the launch of Tourism Awareness Month. The addition of conference cottages, he said, signals a new chapter that strengthens Guyana’s national tourism portfolio.
PM Phillips further highlighted the rising global value of conference and business tourism, noting that this segment generates significantly higher economic returns than traditional leisure travel. He explained that such tourism creates ripple effects across the economy, benefitting accommodation providers, transport operators, farmers, artisans and small businesses, particularly in developing regions. For Guyana, he said, investments like those at Baganara support sustainable development while showcasing the country’s pristine environment to the world.
He added that the new conference cottages are “bridges to opportunity, platforms for dialogue and havens for ideas”, which can help make Guyana globally competitive in conference tourism. Phillips also thanked the resort’s owners for their continued investment, stating that Baganara is helping to turn visitors into lifelong ambassadors for Guyana.

Authentic Guyanese experience
Additionally, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues described the expansion as more than the addition of rooms but the continuation of a carefully planned tourism journey that aligns with President Ali’s vision of making Guyana the premier sustainable tourism destination in the Caribbean and South America within the next five years.
She noted that Baganara Island Resort, which was acquired in 1989 and developed into one of the country’s leading eco-resorts, now spans approximately 187 acres and offers self-contained rooms, a conference centre, a swimming pool, a private beach and other amenities. The newly added cottages bring the resort’s total to 36 rooms, all integrated into the natural environment to preserve the authentic Guyanese experience.
Minister Rodrigues emphasised that tourism growth under the current administration is deliberate and inclusive, designed to ensure that benefits flow not only to large investors but also to small and medium-sized enterprises across the coast and hinterland. She explained that while hotels and restaurants are visible symbols of growth, the true beneficiaries are transport operators, caterers, artisans, farmers and hospitality workers who form the backbone of the sector.
“Our President is not focused on creating his own legacy. He is focused on preparing our economy for the future, where small businesses and communities will be the real beneficiaries of tourism.” She said.
She further explained that Baganara reflects the essence of experiential tourism, where guests are not simply accommodated but warmly received, creating meaningful and lasting impressions that remain with them long after their visit.
She also highlighted the Government’s investment in standards, training and infrastructure, revealing that over 8000 Guyanese have been trained in hospitality and tourism services over the past five years. The upcoming completion of Guyana’s first hospitality training institute, she said, will further strengthen the workforce and ensure international competitiveness. The Minister congratulated Baganara on receiving the Guyana Tourism Authority’s award for Best Interior Resort and Lodge of the Year, describing eco-resorts as national assets rather than niche products.

Economy by design
Meanwhile, Chief Investment Officer and Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, placed the Baganara expansion within the wider framework of the President’s “Economy by Design”, where tourism, energy, food security, biodiversity and infrastructure are interconnected.
He explained that as Guyana expands hotel capacity in Georgetown and improves air and road connectivity, visitors will increasingly seek authentic experiences beyond the capital. Resorts like Baganara, he said, are critical to meeting that demand and ensuring that tourism growth supports multiple sectors simultaneously.
Ramsaroop pointed to major national projects, including road links, port development and energy expansion, as catalysts that will bring increased movement of people and investment into the country. In this context, he commended the resort’s owners for anticipating growth and investing strategically, rather than merely “following the money”.
“What we are seeing today is delivery and results. The President has designed an economy where every sector is connected, and Baganara fits perfectly into that vision,” he remarked.
He also suggested that the resort has the potential to serve as a retreat venue for high-level Government and corporate engagements, where it is an ideal setting for strategic reflection and execution.
With its new cottages and conference facilities, Baganara Island Resort is poised to play an even greater role in Guyana’s tourism and economic landscape.