Guyana’s evolving culture of travel

In recent years, Guyana has witnessed a fundamental transformation in the way citizens engage with tourism. Once considered an industry primarily reliant on international visitors, tourism in Guyana has matured to include a robust and rapidly-expanding domestic component. This evolution reflects broader social, economic, and cultural changes, and signals an encouraging shift toward national pride, sustainability, and inclusivity in tourism development. The announcement by Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond, that domestic tourism now accounts for approximately 50 per cent of the sector’s activity is a significant milestone. This is not merely a statistic, it is a reflection of changing attitudes among Guyanese toward their own country. Historically, limited infrastructure, affordability challenges, and a narrow perception of what constitutes a worthwhile vacation led many to look outward for leisure and travel. Today, those barriers are being dismantled through Government policies, private sector innovation, and community-driven initiatives.
The growing appetite among Guyanese for exploring local destinations, from the vibrant Essequibo Coast to the hinterland charm of Lethem, underscores an increased national awareness of the country’s rich ecological and cultural diversity. The growing popularity of lodges such as Lakeview Cabins in Mainstay, fully booked for six weeks at its launch, is indicative of this new wave of interest. More than just a desire to travel, it represents a reconnection with Guyana’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Crucially, the domestic tourism surge has occurred in tandem with the rise of sustainable, community-led tourism models. These initiatives are more than hospitality projects – they are catalysts for grassroots economic development. The Mainstay/Whyaka project is a prime example: a village using its resources, bolstered by funding from the Low Carbon Development Strategy and other Government channels, to develop lodges that are both environmentally conscious and economically empowering. All income generated remains within the community, funding further development and ensuring that tourism profits are equitably distributed.
These projects embody the principle that tourism must benefit both travellers as well as hosts. By involving women, youth, and other community members in the creation of immersive experiences, Guyana’s domestic tourism sector is fostering a more inclusive economy.
In 2024, the Ministry of Tourism, through the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), began actively addressing financial barriers to local travel. Initiatives such as the “passport initiative,” which featured 40 discounted experiences across diverse regions, are not only innovative but essential. By introducing price-conscious options and diversifying offerings, the GTA has empowered more Guyanese, across income levels, to explore beyond their communities.
Tour prices remain a factor. While high-end rainforest expeditions and customised tours can run into thousands of US dollars, the availability of lower-cost experiences is helping to ensure that domestic tourism is not confined to the elite. Ongoing efforts to expand affordable travel options will be crucial in maintaining momentum and broadening the base of local tourism participants.
The pivot toward domestic tourism also aligns with broader global trends that emphasise sustainability, localism, and cultural preservation. By strengthening the domestic market, Guyana reduces its vulnerability to external shocks such as global travel restrictions or economic downturns. A strong internal tourism framework supports economic resilience and also encourages environmental stewardship and cultural pride.
The transformation in Guyana’s travel culture did not happen overnight. It has been the result of persistent efforts by Government Ministries, tour operators, community leaders, and local entrepreneurs. What is now evident is that tourism is no longer viewed solely as a luxury or an industry for outsiders. It is becoming a shared national enterprise, one that invites every citizen to be a tourist in their own land, a partner in sustainable development, and a storyteller of Guyana’s untold wonders.
The road ahead calls for continued investment in infrastructure, affordable transportation, and digital marketing to support this growth.
In this evolving narrative of Guyanese travel, the destinations are many.