Gaps being identified as Govt advances work on National Tourism Policy

The Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry on Wednesday continued its engagement with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, as work advances on Guyana’s National Tourism Policy and Strategic Action Plan.
Following an initial meeting in April, the follow-up engagement focused on the Policy Agenda, reviewing progress and identifying gaps that must be addressed to ensure the policy provides a clear, practical and forward-looking framework for tourism development.

The policy is being developed in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, the Guyana Tourism Authority, and other key stakeholders, with emphasis on investment, infrastructure, marketing, standards and greater opportunities for small businesses and communities.
According to a statement from the ministry following the meeting, “as Guyana’s tourism sector continues to expand, the ministry remains focused on ensuring that our policies and strategies evolve alongside that growth, supporting a competitive, sustainable and inclusive tourism sector that creates meaningful opportunities for Guyanese”.
In April, the ministry had announced that the policy will establish a strategic framework to guide governance, investment, and development across the industry, while promoting innovation, sustainability, and stronger public-private sector coordination.
Its advancement comes at a critical time, as Guyana records rapid growth in visitor arrivals and infrastructure expansion, including a 22 percent increase in arrivals in 2025 and projections of approximately 550,000 visitors by the end of 2026. The policy will provide a clear roadmap to ensure this growth is effectively managed and widely beneficial.
Key priorities include improving infrastructure and connectivity, strengthening destination marketing, enhancing product development, and establishing higher industry standards and quality assurance. The policy will also support workforce development and aims to expand opportunities for small businesses and community-led tourism initiatives.
Emphasising environmental stewardship and community empowerment, the policy will align with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy, ensuring tourism growth supports conservation while delivering tangible benefits to citizens.
Just a few days ago, subject minister, Susan Rodrigues, noted that sport tourism will also form part of the policy, which is expected to be completed this year. She made the remarks at the Guyana Cup Post Position Draw at the AC Marriott Hotel, Ogle, East Coast Demerara, where she highlighted the success of other sport tourism products.
“Sports Tourism, in particular you would’ve been seeing, is an emerging sector. So, we are working on the National Tourism Policy which will be completed before the end of this year and Sports Tourism is a major component of that policy and strategy,” the minister noted.
She added that other forms of tourism receiving the ministry’s attention include eco-tourism as well as MICE [Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Expositions] tourism.