Interview with Hon. Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry & Commerce, Guyana

30 Jun Interview with Hon. Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry & Commerce, Guyana

Guyana has been experiencing rapid economic growth, with a spectacular 44 percent growth in GDP last year. How is that momentum translating into the country’s tourism sector?

From the outset, our government prioritized economic diversification. We were determined not to fall into the trap of the Dutch disease by relying solely on oil and gas, knowing these are finite, non-renewable resources. Learning from the experiences of other nations, we have taken a proactive approach to build a more resilient, inclusive economy. One of our key focus areas is tourism. It’s sustainable, creates jobs and aligns perfectly with our identity as an ecotourism destination. Our Amerindian communities are at the heart of this sector, having practiced sustainable living for thousands of years.

We have adopted a community-led tourism model, where eco-lodges are built, owned and operated by local villagers, ensuring that economic benefits remain within the communities. Guyana has received international recognition for this approach. We have been practicing sustainability long before it became a global trend. Today, we proudly maintain one of the highest percentages of intact rainforest in the world and boast a near-zero deforestation rate.

While eco-tourism remains our flagship and garners the most international recognition, we are also working to diversify our tourism offerings. Alongside nature and adventure tourism, we are building out sports tourism, with a new stadium hosting major regional and international cricket events. Cricket, a beloved sport across the Commonwealth, has already brought a surge of visitors to Guyana, particularly from India, Pakistan and the Caribbean. We are also exploring motor racing and other international sporting activities to attract more tourists. Additionally, we are leveraging our rich biodiversity by promoting scientific tourism. Our rainforests, largely untouched, offer unique opportunities for research and development. Projects like the Iwokrama bring students and researchers from around the world to study our flora and fauna, adding another dimension to our sustainable tourism strategy. We are also expanding into medical and health tourism. In partnership with Mount Sinai, we are developing world-class healthcare facilities, including a Level 5 maternity hospital. The goal is to position Guyana as a regional hub for advanced medical procedures, reducing the need for patients to travel as far as India for specialized care.

Our culture and heritage tourism is another unique asset. Guyana is a true melting pot, home to six ethnic groups and three major religions, each celebrated nationally through festivals like Phagwah, Easter kite-flying, Eid and Ramadan. This cultural harmony is reflected in our food, dress and way of life, offering visitors a rich, immersive experience that sets us apart.

One of the highlights of our tourism offering is our incredible wildlife and natural beauty. Guyana means Land of Many Waters and is home to countless rivers, waterfalls and 365 islands in the Essequibo River—ideal for eco-retreats and wellness tourism. We also offer exciting adventure experiences like white-water rafting.

To support this growing sector, we are investing in training and capacity-building. Our first-ever Tourism and Hospitality Institute will be completed by the end of the year, equipping locals with the skills needed for world-class service. This is a major step in professionalizing the industry and ensuring our people benefit from tourism’s growth.

What are some of the main trends, challenges and opportunities facing the industry? What is your outlook for 2025 for the sector?

When we took office, Guyana had only one internationally branded hotel. By the end of this year, we will have eight. These brands help drive international travel and support increased airlift — seven new airlines have already begun operating here. Despite the growth, hotel demand remains high. We are now focusing on enhancing visitor experiences, from water parks and yachting to luxury eco-resorts. While our rustic eco-lodges are popular, there is a growing market for high-end, low-impact rainforest retreats. We are carefully selecting internationally recognized brands that align with true ecotourism principles. We are also exploring opportunities like guided rainforest safaris, including night tours — an experience that has proven successful in destinations like Kenya and South Africa. We envision a branded all-inclusive resort in a designated area offering golf, recreation and full amenities on one property. The Linden Highway region, with its white sand and proximity to the planned Silica City, is ideal for this. It’s a major opportunity for integrated tourism development in a high-potential area.

We have grown from 150,000 visitors in 2019 to over 1 million by November last year. By 2027–2030, we project 3 million visitors. Our goal is to have more people using our services, staying in our hotels and flying with the new airlines we have attracted.

How could foreign and U.S. investors further take part in the sector’s growth and development going forward?

We maintain strong collaboration with the private sector, which has a seat on our board alongside the Guyana Tourism Authority. They are actively involved in shaping the Tourism and Hospitality Institute’s curriculum to meet industry needs. The response to our call for internationally branded hotels was remarkable: 14 new U.S. brands like Hilton, Sheraton, Marriott and Wyndham are set to be built. This reflects strong private sector confidence in our economy.

Beyond oil and gas, we are seeing a strong presence of American-branded hotels. We have an active U.S. Chamber of Commerce and regular visits from U.S. businesses, supported by a dynamic embassy promoting partnerships. Our president recently visited Berkeley for new collaborations, alongside the U.S. Ambassador. We have a strong U.S.–Guyana relationship and we welcome even more American investment.

In the tourism sector, we offer tax incentives, including corporate tax exemptions. Hotels benefit from land at concessionary rates, VAT removal on building materials and furnishings and workforce facilitation. We provide full tax holidays for several years, which has driven strong private sector response. Depending on the project, we offer tailored incentives, such as duty-free imports for vehicles and equipment, to ensure successful investment.

We have increased direct flights by 52 percent, with United, JetBlue and American Airlines now flying to Houston, Miami, Orlando and New York. American Airlines has the most frequent service and we aim to see more U.S. airlines joining. United recently launched a three-day-a-week service from Houston and we would like to see this increase to daily flights.

The U.S. is our second-largest source of visitors, due in part to the large Guyanese diaspora there. Many Guyanese families have strong ties to the U.S. and a significant portion of our exports cater to the diaspora’s needs. U.S. establishments also embrace Guyanese food and hospitality. We value the training and experience our diaspora has gained and believe even a small portion of it can make a tremendous impact on our economy. The U.S. will always be a key partner for capacity building in every sector as we continue to grow.

How is your ministry working to support SMEs and individual businesses, which make the core of the tourism and industrial sector in Guyana?

We encourage investors to use local crafts, furniture and services, such as hiring local taxi drivers. For example, one hotel was outsourcing taxi services from abroad, but we helped connect them with local providers. We actively support small businesses, including training villagers in baking, mixology and culinary skills, so they can provide for tourists. This has greatly benefited our local economies. We provide training for tour operators and guides across the country to ensure visitors have a great experience. This helps expand their businesses and makes their services more attractive internationally. Small operators have been able to hire more people and we’ve also supported street food vendors and small catering businesses, contributing to local entrepreneurship.

What is your long-term vision for Guyana’s brand internationally — as a destination, a trade partner and an investment frontier?

We aim to make Guyana the world’s premier ecotourism destination, leveraging our natural beauty and biodiversity. Largely undiscovered, we believe visitors will be amazed. As an investment hub, we are strategically positioned for success, offering the right incentives, security, housing and a user-friendly, digitized economy. This will make it easy for investors to navigate our systems and do business. With our geographic location – —just five hours from Africa and the U.S. and close to Europe and Asia — we are focused on creating an ideal environment for investment. Guyana is open for business. Come experience our vibrant culture, delicious food and warm hospitality.