Minister Rodrigues outlines plan for globally competitive tourism industry

As Guyana records unprecedented growth in visitor arrivals, the Government is intensifying investments to position the country as a globally competitive, niche tourism destination by 2030, one rooted in conservation, culture and community development. This vision was outlined by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues, during a wide-ranging interview on Starting Point, where she detailed how infrastructure expansion, improved access, private sector collaboration and sustainable tourism models are converging to unlock Guyana’s full tourism potential. “Our tourism product is closely linked to conservation,” Minister Rodrigues said, noting that this has already earned Guyana international recognition and clearly distinguishes it from other Caribbean destinations.

Personal experiences
Reflecting on her transition into the expanded Ministry, Rodrigues described it as both demanding and deeply rewarding. “It’s a huge portfolio. I myself did not realise how much work this Ministry does and how important the sector is because effectively, I’m in charge of trade,” she said, adding that she was “deeply honoured” to be entrusted with the responsibility. She credited President Dr Irfaan Ali’s strong grasp of the sector for shaping the Ministry’s direction. “He knows the tourism sector really, really well… the feedback I got from all of the stakeholders is that he was a fantastic Minister of tourism,” Rodrigues noted. Since assuming office in September, she said the sector “hit the ground running,” driven by strong collaboration among private stakeholders. “I’ve been welcomed into a family of tourism and hospitality… they really do operate like that. They work together.”
Rodrigues’ first months in office coincided with the busiest period on the tourism calendar, resulting in back-to-back national initiatives. Tourism Awareness Month in November, she said, provided a hands-on learning experience. “I was very open and honest… I said to the operators, ‘I’m here to learn. I’m here to experience what you have to offer.” She stressed that Guyanese themselves must experience local attractions. “That is the only way that we can talk about it… and the only way that we can be ambassadors of Guyana.”
Local capacity and accessibility
At GuyExpo, the Ministry deliberately showcased local capacity. “That was not by accident. That was by design. We kept it completely local,” Rodrigues said, highlighting the exclusive use of Guyanese products, performers and entertainers.
The One Guyana Christmas Village, she added, saw record-breaking attendance. “It was the busiest we have ever seen,” she said, describing it as a “prideful moment” as Guyanese returned home after seeing national leaders’ invitations online.
Addressing concerns about travel costs and accessibility, Rodrigues underscored that Government’s massive infrastructure programme is deliberately integrated across sectors. “We didn’t build roads for cars to drive on, and that’s the end of the story,” she said. “Government’s infrastructure programme is really about improving lives and livelihood.” She explained that projects such as the Linden–Mabura road and the forthcoming Lethem connection will dramatically change tourism access. “It’s also to allow a regular person, who owns a car, to drive to the rodeo and experience rodeo for the very first time in Region Nine.” Improved airstrips, she noted, are also reducing operating costs for aviation providers. “They are benefiting now from improved infrastructure… and so in fairness, they should reduce the cost of travel to benefit the people.” Looking ahead, Rodrigues said Guyana is aggressively pursuing expedition cruise tourism. “We don’t have the draft for the major cruise lines… but we can accommodate the small expedition cruises,” she said, pointing to recent and upcoming visits. The Ministry has also received around 30 expressions of interest for eco-lodges across multiple regions. “Everybody has a different concept,” she said, describing the proposals as “very exciting.”
She emphasised that eco-lodges are not just about accommodation. “We want to build an ecosystem around it that can create opportunities for the communities that are close by,” Rodrigues said, adding that the goal is to allow visitors to experience indigenous heritage while “still preserving our natural landscape and our heritage.”

Carving out a niche
Unlike traditional Caribbean tourism models, Rodrigues said Guyana is intentionally carving out a different space. “We do not subscribe to mass tourism. We offer here in Guyana a very niche product,” she said. “We encourage conscious, sustainable tourism.” She described Guyana’s offerings as “multilayered,” allowing visitors to enjoy a city experience in Georgetown before venturing into rainforests, savannas, and hinterland communities. “You can arrive in Georgetown… and then hop on a plane and visit Kaieteur Falls, walk on the canopy in the rainforest or go to the savannas in Region Nine and stay on a ranch and be part of rodeo,” she said.
With nine new airlines added in the past five years, Rodrigues said expanded airlift is already supporting growth, while still safeguarding environmental sustainability.
On maintaining quality and service standards, Rodrigues said the forthcoming Tourism and Hospitality Institute, expected to be completed by mid-2026, will play a critical role. “The idea is to train Guyanese to internationally [recognised standards],” she said, noting that hinterland communities are already receiving training in customer service, hospitality and food preparation through the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA). From upgraded infrastructure to eco-conscious investments and community-driven tourism, Rodrigues said the strategy is clear: position Guyana as a destination visitors return to again and again.
“Guyana’s destination is naturally set apart from any other destination,” she said. “And this is exactly what makes us globally competitive.”