Visitor arrivals expected to surge to 350,000 by year end

…as arrivals for 1st half of 2024 increase by over 20,000

Visitor arrivals in Guyana continue its growth trajectory, with as much as 350,000 visitors expected to grace these shores by the end of the year, after over 20,000 increases in visitor arrivals were recorded in the first half of 2024.
According to the recently released mid-year report, total visitor arrivals in Guyana amounted to 170,744 during the period of January to June 2024. This is a significant increase above the 149,020 arrivals recorded in the same period last year.
“This increase of 21,724 arrivals led to the achievement of the highest arrival number at the half-year to date, with visitors from the United States, the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and other markets.”
“Further, supported by Guyana hosting several major international and regional conferences and expos, as well as events such as Cricket Carnival, the growth in arrivals is anticipated to continue throughout the year, with visitor arrivals projected to reach 350,000 by the end of 2024,” the report further states.
The report attributes the expansion in visitor arrivals to Government’s commitment to government’s efforts to attract new airlines and improve Guyana’s connectivity to the rest of the world. These efforts, according to the report, have resulted in airlift capacity in Guyana increasing from 112,500 seats in December 2023 to 129,175 seats in June 2024.
“In the first half of the year, airlift capacity expanded, with the commencement of Sky High Dominicana operations in February, servicing the Guyana to the Dominican Republic route with thrice weekly flights.”
“In addition, United Airlines (UA) commenced its four-time weekly operations from Houston to Georgetown in April 2024, and American Airlines (AA) expanded its services by adding an additional Miami to Georgetown route,” the report explained.
Guyana’s status as a tourist destination was also recognised globally in the first half of the year. The report pointed out that in March, Guyana was acclaimed the Destination of the Year in the Ecological Tourism Category by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association.
“Guyana was also the recipient of the Silver Award for Best Initiatives for Indigenous Communities at the fourth Edition of the World Travel Market Latin America Responsible Tourism Awards. These global recognitions continue to encourage prospective travellers to our shores as well as demonstrate to them the principles and standards that guide our tourism sector development,” the report states.
In light of significant investments being made to upgrade the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), along with efforts being undertaken to facilitate ease of travel, the government has also been encouraging airlines to make Guyana their stopover choice for long-haul flights.
The call was made by Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, during a reception to mark the inaugural UA flights between Georgetown and Houston in April of this year. Edghill had indicated that as Guyana continues to attract more investments in its aviation sector and witnesses increases in arrivals within the country, Government is making the necessary investments to support the growth of the industry.
Further, he explained that the ministry is doing everything within its power to ensure foreigners experience great ease of doing business and travel in Guyana. Further, he had pointed to the legislative amendment made in 2022 to allow licensed foreigners to drive in the country without having a local permit, which are still in momentum.
This amendment ensures that a foreign driver visiting Guyana is able to drive within the country without having to apply for a permit. According to Edghill, all of these privileges are set to enhance the stay of foreigners, and equip them with easy navigation.