Guyana recorded 40,149 visitor arrivals in May

Guyana recorded a whopping 40,149 visitor arrivals in May alone, marking a 20.6 per cent increase over May 2025 and the strongest May performance in the country’s tourism history.
This was revealed by the Guyana Tourism Authority on Friday, which noted that the growth was supported by events held as part of Guyana’s 60th Diamond Jubilee Independence Anniversary celebrations, including the Guyana Festival, Street Food on the Terrace, and Guyana Carnival activities.
Meanwhile, the United States remained the leading source market, accounting for 37 per cent of total arrivals, followed by the Caribbean (33 per cent), Latin America (10 per cent), Canada (eight per cent), Europe (six per cent), and other markets (six per cent).

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues has since said that the performance reflects the sector’s growing contribution to national development and the impact of sustained investment in tourism.
“The results recorded in May reflect the continued growth of tourism as a key contributor to Guyana’s economic development. They highlight the impact of sustained investment in our tourism product, cultural programming, and major events and reinforce the importance of building on this momentum to ensure benefits reach communities across the country.”
Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh, added that the results reflect ongoing progress in destination development and collaboration across the sector.
“These results reflect continued progress in how Guyana is being positioned as a destination. We are seeing the impact of sustained product development, stronger coordination across stakeholders, and a continued focus on improving the visitor experience.”
Guyana’s record-breaking tourism performance in May was driven by a combination of major national celebrations, cultural events, and increased diaspora travel linked to the country’s 60th Diamond Jubilee independence anniversary.
According to the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), the country recorded 40,149 visitor arrivals during the month, representing a 20.6 per cent increase over May 2025 and the strongest May performance ever recorded.
A significant contributor to the growth was the government’s “Homecoming” initiative, which encouraged Guyanese living abroad to return home for the historic Independence celebrations. The initiative formed part of a broader effort to showcase Guyana’s culture, heritage, and tourism offerings while strengthening ties with the diaspora.
Among the major attractions was the return of the Guyana Festival, which was staged for the first time in more than a decade. The event featured cultural performances, local cuisine, arts and crafts exhibitions, heritage displays, and entertainment activities that drew both local and international visitors.
The month also saw the staging of Guyana Carnival, one of the country’s largest tourism events, which attracted revellers from across the Caribbean, North America, and other international markets. The festivities included a series of fetes, cultural showcases, and the highly anticipated costume parade through the streets of Georgetown.
Additional activities, including Street Food on the Terrace and other cultural and culinary events held throughout the Independence period, further enhanced the visitor experience and encouraged longer stays.