Guyana records rise in arrivals, welcomes new airlines

– over 400 rooms added as new hotels come on stream

Guyana’s tourism industry is booming, with record-breaking visitor arrivals, expanded air connectivity, and the development of new attractions and accommodations.

At a media briefing on Wednesday, Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond, detailed the achievements and ongoing initiatives that have placed Guyana firmly on the map as a premier travel destination.
From January to October 2024, visitor arrivals grew by 15 per cent compared to the same period in 2023, with nearly 300,000 visitors recorded. October alone saw a 22.5 per cent increase in arrivals.
“What we’re seeing is that every single year, we have this trend—growth month over month,” Walrond noted while adding, “These numbers highlight that Guyana is quickly becoming a destination of choice, thanks to increased international promotions and expanded travel options.”
She attributed much of this growth to strategic efforts in sports tourism, conferences, and events such as the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the Guyana Energy Conference, which have attracted visitors from around the globe.
In addition, the aviation sector has played a critical role in this upward trajectory, with new airlines and routes enhancing accessibility. “Airline airlift is, of course, extremely important because the visitors have to come through aircraft,” Walrond emphasized.
Highlights from 2024 include the launch of several new airline routes, significantly enhancing Guyana’s global connectivity. United Airlines introduced four weekly flights between Houston and Georgetown, while Avianca Airlines began direct flights to Bogota, Colombia.
InterCaribbean Airways added routes to Grenada, Caribbean Airlines connected Guyana with Suriname, and SKYhigh Dominicana established flights to the Dominican Republic, reflecting growing confidence in Guyana as a thriving tourism destination.
“These new airlines and routes signal the recognition of Guyana’s rapidly growing tourism sector,” Walrond said. “Each airline is a powerful endorsement of the confidence the global aviation and tourism industries have in Guyana.”
Looking ahead, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is expected to connect Amsterdam, St. Marteen and Guyana in 2025, adding over 1,000 weekly seats.
According to the Minister, with more visitors comes the need for more accommodations. Guyana has made significant strides in this area, adding nearly 400 rooms with the opening of the Aiden by Best Western and Royal International Hotel this year.
An additional 1,000 rooms are expected to be available soon, thanks to internationally branded hotels nearing completion.
The minister also highlighted the growth of the bed-and-breakfast sector. “The bed-and-breakfast option plays a critical role in complementing major hotels while offering unique, personalized experiences,” she said.
In 2024, 26 bed-and-breakfast properties were conditionally approved, with the government providing technical support to help owners meet international standards. “This is about offering the visitor an authentic experience while enabling homeowners to earn additional income,” Walrond explained.
As the tourism sector grows, so does the need for a skilled workforce. The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) trained 2,341 individuals this year in key areas such as bird guiding, eco-lodge development, and first aid.
“Tourism is a relatively new sector for us, and training is essential,” Walrond noted. “We want our guides and service providers to meet international standards, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a positive impression.”
In 2024, the government launched 50 new tourism experiences across the country, ensuring that visitors have diverse options, from eco-tourism in the Rupununi to cultural tours in riverine communities.
“Tourism development is about giving visitors options,” said Walrond. “You come to a country, and you don’t want just one experience—you want several. That’s how you ensure repeat visitors, which are the lifeblood of a sustainable tourism product.”
These new offerings have also brought economic opportunities to rural and hinterland communities. “When visitors come to your village or community and spend money, it creates a ripple effect,” Walrond noted.
Looking back on the achievements of 2024, Walrond expressed optimism about the future of Guyana’s tourism sector. “Tourism is a key pillar for Guyana’s sustained economic growth,” she said. “When the oil and gas are long gone, our tourism products will still be here.”
With new airlines, accommodations, and attractions already in the pipeline for 2025, Guyana’s tourism sector shows no signs of slowing down. As Walrond concluded, “This is about building a legacy—for our visitors, our communities, and our country.”