Guyana readying itself for a tourism boom – Pres Ali

…says Guyana “blessed with extraordinary natural beauty”

With new hotels coming onstream, improved infrastructure and increasing global recognition for its rich and unique eco-tourism offerings, President Dr Irfaan Ali says that Guyana is gearing up for a boom in its tourism sector.
“Guyana is readying itself for a boom in tourism,” he declared while delivering the feature address at the commissioning of yet another five-star hotel in Guyana – the US$30 million Four Points by Sheraton, located at Houston along the Heroes Highway, on Thursday evening.

According to the Guyanese leader, “We are blessed with extraordinary natural beauty – majestic rivers, vast forests, rich biodiversity, powerful waterfalls, vibrant culture, and one of the most unique eco-tourism offerings in the world. We are improving roads, expanding air connectivity, modernising infrastructure, enhancing urban development, strengthening security, and increasing the quality of services.”
With these efforts, Guyana has already seen impressive growth in visitor arrivals, which is expected to further increase as the country transitions toward a more diversified and dynamic economy with massive investments in new infrastructure such as port facilities and a new terminal at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) that will significantly enhance visitors’ processing time.
“This hotel has opened at the right time, in the right place, in the right country. The take-off is happening… Guyana is now being identified as a prime destination for conference tourism. More and more persons are coming to our country to visit and to do business. And all of this stimulates business in the tourism and hospitality sectors,” the Head of State noted.
In fact, Dr Ali posited that this 172-room hotel has combined global standards with Guyanese culture and nature in every aspect, including its designs and even menu. Amerindian craftwork adorns the hotel, ranging from chairs, barstools and bedside lamp shades, while the walls are decorated with artworks on all the floors.
“When you go in the rooms, you will see black shades that represent Guyana, represent nature, represent forest, and represent sustainability and resilience… You will find in every section of the hotel… pieces of Guyana that inspire you and make you…feel a sense of pride as a Guyanese,” he stated.
Moreover, President Ali said that this new hotel has positioned the country to attract one of its major markets – the diaspora.
“We now have to target directly, in an aggressive manner, the diaspora market, which is huge. And we can do so by having this all-inclusive facility that they go to throughout the region. And I look forward to partnering with [the Sheraton family] on that journey,” he stated.

Four major points
Playing on the name of the hotel, the Guyanese leader went on to highlight four major points on the importance of investments in the hospitality sector – the first being job creation, direct and indirect; hospitality; support for diversification; and international reputation.
He described hotels as engines of employment, noting that they create opportunities for young people entering the workforce, for experienced professionals, for skilled tradesmen, and for entrepreneurs. “Hospitality is one of the most inclusive sectors because it values service, skill, discipline, creativity and people,” he said.
According to the Head of State, scores of Guyanese workers were employed during the construction phase, and now that the building is completed, even more jobs have been permanently created with added indirect opportunities.
“Front desk staff, housekeeping teams, chefs, servers, managers, security officers, maintenance personnel, drivers, accountants and IT technicians. Guests who stay here will dine in restaurants, hire taxis, visit attractions, buy local products, use tour services, and spend throughout the economy.

Conferences held here will bring business travellers. Weddings held here will support decorators, photographers, florists, musicians and caterers. Every occupied room creates opportunity far beyond these walls,” he noted.
Against this backdrop, the President explained that hospitality stimulates many other sectors and supports diversification. He stated that the hotel does not stand alone but depends on agriculture, fisheries, transport, entertainment, construction, finance, security, technology, laundry services, maintenance and retail.
“When hospitality grows, many sectors grow with it… We are an economy on the rise, but we are also an economy planning for the future. Tourism and hospitality provide sustainable long-term opportunities. They create income streams beyond traditional sectors and strengthen resilience,” he asserted.
The Guyanese leader went on to add that hospitality also builds international reputation. Emphasising that hotel experiences shape how visitors see Guyana, the Head of State says professional service, quality facilities, safety, warmth, and efficiency are critical to ensuring the “national brand” is maintained and that satisfied guests become ambassadors for the country.
As the Guyanese Government continues to push an aggressive tourism agenda, President Ali says investments, especially foreign investments, are critical. He cited the new Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, which has placed significant emphasis on local content.
“Foreign investment does not exclude local investment. In many cases, it stimulates it. When a major hotel opens, local farmers can supply produce. Local fishermen can supply seafood. Local manufacturers can provide goods. Local transport operators gain customers. Local entertainers gain bookings. Local contractors gain work. Local entrepreneurs see new markets emerge…”
“That is why our Government wants to see even greater partnership between foreign and local capital. We want joint ventures. We want supply linkages. We want shared prosperity. We want Guyanese enterprise to grow alongside international investment,” he posited.