“We must never lose sight of who we are as a people” – Tourism Minister

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues posited that Guyana must remain grounded in its identity even as the country continues to experience rapid economic growth and international attention, ahead of Guyana’s 60th Independence celebrations and the return of the Guyana Festival under the theme Sound, Soul and Taste. In the midst of the jam-packed activities at the just concluded Guyana Festival, the Minister reminded Guyanese that the country is currently in a defining moment in its history and that people must remain anchored to their identity. She made the remarks at the launch of the event on Friday.
“After 12 years, the Guyana Festival has returned under the theme Sound, Soul and Taste. The Guyana Festival occurs during a period of unprecedented transformation in Guyana — a period in which our country is attracting global attention, expanding economically, strengthening internationally, and redefining its place in the world. But even as Guyana grows and modernises, there is something we must never lose sight of — who we are as a people. That is why this festival matters. This festival is about identity, national pride, and preserving and celebrating everything that defines us as Guyanese,” she stated. On that note, she revealed that the Guyana Festival fits perfectly within the vision of cultural identity and oneness.
“This festival creates an opportunity for our diaspora to reconnect not only with family and friends, but with a nation that is entering a new era of growth and possibility. At the same time, Guyana Festival is also a direct invitation to the international community — to travellers, investors, cultural explorers, and the global tourism industry. We are inviting the world to come and experience Guyana, and increasingly, the world is responding,” she noted. Meanwhile, the Minister highlighted findings from the event, noting that it also played a significant role in bringing Guyanese back home to reconnect with their culture and heritage.
“The vision was strategic. It recognised that tourism is not only about landscapes and attractions. Tourism is about people, culture, experiences, and identity. It recognised that Guyana’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and it recognised that culture has economic value. This is more than a festival. This is a national statement — a declaration that Guyana is proud of its people, its culture, and its identity,” she expressed. She added that at the centre of the initiative is a very clear message to Guyanese everywhere — that Guyana is transforming. According to her, for many Guyanese abroad, Guyana remains the place that shaped their values, memories and identity. Meanwhile, Rodrigues revealed that Guyana recorded its highest-ever visitor arrivals in 2025, welcoming more than 453,000 visitors, representing a 22 per cent increase over the previous year.
She noted that the momentum has continued strongly into 2026, with record-breaking visitor arrivals recorded in March alone. According to the Minister, Guyana welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors during March 2026, reflecting a 13.3 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. The Minister explained that the figures are significant as they demonstrate growing international confidence in Destination Guyana, its tourism product, infrastructure, hospitality sector, and overall future. She further highlighted that Guyana continues to gain international recognition, with global publications such as Bloomberg, Time, and The New York Times naming Guyana among the world’s emerging tourism destinations.
Additionally, she noted that the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) was recognised as a premier aviation hub in the Caribbean, reflecting ongoing improvements in service standards, infrastructure, and visitor experience, while reinforcing Guyana’s growing reputation for quality, efficiency, and service excellence.