GTA announces discounted tour packages for Tourism Awareness Month

Guyanese are in for a treat this November, as the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) announces discounted tour packages throughout Tourism Awareness Month, giving locals an opportunity to explore the country’s diverse destinations while taking advantage of special rates.
The announcement was made by GTA Director Kamrul Baksh during the launch of Tourism Awareness Month 2026 on Saturday.
“This month, the public will also have the opportunity to travel the length and breadth of Guyana, as the private sector is on board and has been working with operators to create discounted packages throughout the month so that we could see the rise of domestic travel. And domestic travel is at its highest this year, as we have recorded, from January to June, a record number of tours booked by the local market and also regionally and internationally.”
Baksh said a series of innovative activities would be held throughout the month, including the creation of a tourism mascot, which is expected to help raise awareness about tourism across communities. He explained that the mascot would form part of campaigns aimed at keeping tourism at the forefront of public consciousness.

He added that the initiatives would have a strong digital focus, with a series of online and other campaigns intended to reach all sections of society. The public will also have an opportunity to participate in creating videos and sharing their own interpretations of the theme, “Tourism is Everybody’s Business.”

World Travel Market
Meanwhile he shared that Guyana will also be promoted on the international tourism stage through its participation in the upcoming World Travel Market in London, where the country will engage with international tourism operators to strengthen its global presence.
“Guyana will be showcased internationally at World Travel Market, and we will be connecting with international tourism operators to further solidify Guyana’s position on the global stage. The Minister will continue these efforts in Brussels as she speaks at the Global Tourism Forum annual meeting next week. And she will share Guyana’s unique perspectives and experience in the creative industry, tourism investment and diversification, among other very crucial topical areas.”

Importance of inclusivity
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues highlighted the significant expansion of Guyana’s accommodation sector, while underscoring the importance of inclusivity under this year’s Tourism Awareness Month theme.
“The country added 738 accommodation rooms in 2025 alone, and more than 1,000 additional rooms are projected by the end of this year. By the end of this year also, Guyana’s total accommodation capacity is expected to exceed 5,600 rooms. But the growth of our accommodation sector must be matched by the quality of the wider destination experience. Visitors do not experience a hotel in isolation.”
Rodrigues officially launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026 under the theme “Tourism is Everybody’s Business,” calling for greater participation across the country.
“So, with pride, optimism and a deep sense of national responsibility, I officially launch Tourism Awareness Month 2026 under a theme as simple as it is powerful: Tourism is everybody’s business. We gather here at a transformative juncture in our nation’s history. We must build on what makes our country special while ensuring that the experiences we deliver reflect the quality of the destination we promote. Our natural assets give us a strong foundation. Our people, their skills and their commitment to service help bring that foundation to life.”
Rodrigues stressed that tourism extends beyond hotels and tour operators, noting that taxi drivers, farmers, Indigenous communities and other local stakeholders all contribute to shaping visitors’ experiences in Guyana.
She explained that tourism creates opportunities for Indigenous communities to market traditional products, share cultural knowledge and develop livelihoods, while young people can pursue careers as naturalists, bird guides and wildlife spotters.
The Minister said successful community tourism enterprises can support networks of local workers and businesses, generating income and opportunities throughout the country. She added that tourism also carries a responsibility to maintain the cleanliness and condition of towns and public spaces.