Dominican Republic, Guyana to unite as top tourism hotspot – Pres Ali

…as sod turns for Pegasus new branded hotel

As countries in Latin America look to further expand their tourism industry, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader and Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali have announced their commitment to twinning the nations as a premier tourism destination.
President Dr Irfaan Ali said his Government is looking to establish a joint product with the Dominican Republic (DR) that can target the massive Guyanese diaspora in North America as well as the European market, capitalising on both countries’ unique attractions.
During a ceremony marking the sod-turning for a new branded Pegasus hotel in Guyana on Tuesday evening, President Ali expressed his excitement about the potential of this initiative.
“So, we are working now in the eco and nature-based tourism area. To have the best investors coming to Guyana. And then we are working also with major regional brands that is ready to add nature and eco to their product. Today I was very pleased with our discussion with the president of DR who made it very clear that he is ready to market jointly DR and Guyana as a common destination. That is just two and a half hours apart. These are the type of initiatives that would help us to move forward. To separate us from the competition. And to give us that ability to be successful,” the Head of State said.

He reiterated that outside of infrastructural development, the nation must develop a calendar of events that would attract diverse tourists and visitors.
“We are acutely aware that part of our mission now must define the right formula through which we can have three million people passing through this economy by 2030 so that they can utilise the services that a private sector is investing in whether it’s a restaurant, whether it’s a nightclub whether it’s an entertainment facility you need to have people to make use of the services,” he added

New hotel
The Pegasus Hotel, a staple of Guyana’s hospitality sector since 1969, is set to undergo a major transformation, showcasing the nation’s ambition and confidence in its future.
Ali commended the hotel’s owners for their forward-thinking approach, emphasising the importance of collaboration among local hospitality stakeholders. “We must work together to develop an association that represents Guyana’s tourism industry as a collective whole, rather than as competitors,” he urged.

As the partnership between the Dominican Republic and Guyana unfolds, both nations are well-positioned to enhance their tourism offerings, attract global visitors, and establish themselves as vibrant destinations in the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, Chairman and proprietor of the Pegasus Group Robert Badal expressed his gratitude to the President while acknowledging the challenges of the hospitality industry, noting that while investments are attractive, they require significant capital and patience. “The hotel business requires huge capital investment, and often the return takes a much longer time. However, the opportunities here in Guyana are compelling,” he stated.
Badal went on to discuss the new hotel, which will feature 170 executive rooms and five-star facilities, creating a bridge between the iconic Pegasus and modern hospitality. “It hurts to let part of it go,” he admitted, referring to the Grand Savannah Suite, a site of many cherished memories. “But this investment will provide a new landmark in our city, a contribution to the hospitality landscape of Georgetown and our beloved country.”
As the partnership between the Dominican Republic and Guyana unfolds, both nations are well-positioned to enhance their tourism offerings, attract global visitors, and establish themselves as vibrant destinations in the Caribbean.