Tourism Awareness Month: Glamping being introduced to local market to elevate Destination Guyana

While Guyana has made significant progress marketing the land of many waters as a prominent tourist destination in the Caribbean, Government through the Ministry Tourism, Industry and Commerce (MINTIC) is mulling plans to expand the sector by introducing glamping.
The new tourism option which will first be introduced in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) provides a luxurious camping experience that offers a balance between outdoor adventure and the comforts of home, such as beds, electricity, and indoor plumbing.

Guyana’s twist will strengthen the integration of culture, allowing visitors to experience the country’s rich traditions and vibrant festivals, while combining adventure with comfort for nature enthusiasts.
In her Tourism Awareness Month message, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond indicated that a detailed assessment for the introduction of glamping has already been conducted in order to maintain the sustainability of the product.
“We are also excited to introduce glamping as a new tourism option, combining adventure with comfort for nature enthusiasts. Following a detailed assessment, we are launching this initiative in region 2, positioning Guyana as a premiere destination for glamping. To elevate the profile of Destination Guyana, we are expanding collaboration with regional partners. We have worked with Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and the Dominican Republic to strengthen cross-border travel and shared tourism experiences. Hosting influencers, attending tourism events, and establishing connections have enhanced our visibility,” the Minister shared.
In addition to glamping, the Tourism Ministry plans to incorporate Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism
According to Minister Walrond, the concept is a key priority given that several major events are already scheduled for 2025.
“With more hotels opening soon, we expect an influx of MICE events that will benefit the entire tourism ecosystem, from major hotels to taxi drivers and tour operators… Our accommodation options have expanded as well. The recently opened Aiden by Best Western has added 138 quality rooms and upcoming hotels will contribute over 1,000 more rooms. This growth in room stock strengthens our capacity to host major events and welcome larger numbers of visitors. Over 55 new experiences have been introduced over the past four years, offering diverse activities to attract a variety of travellers,” she added.
November is being observed as Tourism Awareness Month and this year’s theme is “A People-Centred Tourism Product: Elevating Our Profile” places emphasise Government’s commitment to crafting experiences that resonate with visitors by understanding their needs and preferences.
The theme also highlights that people are the underlying foundation of the travel and tourism industry and embedded in Guyana’s development must be opportunities for growth and development within our communities.
Through the month, the Ministry and tourism stakeholders will host various activities and encourage citizens to participate and explore the country’s remarkable destinations.

Growth
In his message to the nation, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Kamrul Baksh highlighted the progress Guyana has made from 2020 to now, which includes the introduction of seven new airlines, training of over 2,000 locals in birding, first aid, quality service, and eco-lodge management and built out of the eco-lodge product.

“November is also a time to celebrate our accomplishments. Post-pandemic, we have made significant progress in creating a dynamic, versatile, and sustainable tourism product. I am pleased to report advancements in connectivity, new experiences, accommodations, and training over the past four years. Guyana is a country built on diversity, with many cultures and ethnicities coming together as one. We’re proud of our rich cultural heritage, and it’s an honour to witness the invaluable potential of our people as we continue to share all that we have to offer with the world.”
“The tourism experiences we promote today are a direct reflection of our communities’ hard work, creativity, and resilience. Importantly, through initiatives like the Junior Tourism Cooking Showcase and school engagement sessions, we are preparing the next generation to take ownership of our tourism industry and lead it into the future. Facilitating micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises is crucial for the sustained growth of the tourism and hospitality industry. Our approach has been proactive in facilitating networking, highlighting, and realising the potential of products and services,” he said.
Looking ahead, Baksh indicated that work will continue to expand the sector, but most importantly, Guyanese and the nation’s diverse culture will remain at the centre of all projects.
“So, as we look to the future, the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Guyana Tourism Authority, will continue to invest in our people, train our workforce, and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly growing industry. The official Tourism and Hospitality Institute will catalyse the tourism industry, providing much-needed training to those who desire to be a part of this sector. We will continue to support the efforts of small business owners, artisans, and cultural custodians, ensuring that their contributions to tourism are recognised and valued on a global scale. Additionally, the Guyana Tourism Authority remains committed to expanding our tourism product through collaboration with local and international stakeholders”.