Oneidge Walrond

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce

Building a global ecotourism brand

Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, shares how Guyana is blending nature, culture and conservation to craft a globally competitive and community-owned tourism brand.

“Our main aim is to position Guyana as a nature-, adventure- and culture-based destination that is recognized around the world.”

Oneidge Walrond

    • What makes Guyana’s tourism strategy unique in its bid for world-class status?

      The government’s current strategy for positioning the country as a leading ecotourism and adventure travel destination in the region is multi-faceted and closely aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our main aim is to position Guyana as a nature-, adventure- and culture-based destination that is recognized around the world. We are utilizing market representation services in key source markets to reinforce our value proposition. The government is actively incentivizing investments in ecotourism infrastructure and rural travel as these experiences reflect our national identity. Ecotourism is at the heart of what makes Guyana unique. By supporting its growth, we are showcasing our natural heritage while creating sustainable economic opportunities for hinterland communities.

      Indigenous communities are central to Guyana’s ecotourism development under the Community Led and Owned Tourism initiative. The government, through the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), is supporting indigenous communities in developing locally-owned tourism enterprises that are sustainably managed and culturally authentic. This initiative is unique; we are the only country in the world where this type of model is our primary tourism offering. The model will serve as a blueprint for balanced and sustainable tourism management.

      Under its framework, indigenous leaders are included in national tourism planning to ensure inclusive, respectful growth that preserves their environment and culture. Key initiatives include community-led eco-lodges, guided tours, cultural experiences and conservation projects funded through carbon credit revenues. We want local communities to be the bedrock of development, not solely participants. Ensuring communities have ownership of the process with direct involvement and access to tangible benefits is critical to the growth of our tourism product.

      The government is also broadening our tourism offerings by promoting birding, sport fishing, river excursions, jungle survival training and trekking in tourism circuits across the country. These include the South Rupununi Circuit, Region 10 Circuit and Region 1 Circuit. Our focus is on low-volume, high-value experiences that appeal to eco-conscious travelers. This model helps preserve the integrity of Guyana’s natural environment and ensures economic benefits are directed toward the local communities that serve as stewards of these landscapes.

      To meet these goals, the state is facilitating ongoing hospitality training, business development support and environmental education for tourism stakeholders to ensure high service standards and local participation. Training is the cornerstone of our tourism strategy. We continue to prioritize ongoing skills development to deliver exceptional visitor experiences through empowering individuals and communities with the tools, knowledge and confidence to thrive in a competitive and evolving industry. The government is investing in the Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute, which will bring world-class curricula to Guyanese citizens. This will elevate service delivery across the hospitality and travel industry, further economic prosperity and improve the livelihoods of thousands of stakeholders.

      Additionally, our tourism industry is guided by the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, which ensures the sector is developed alongside environmental stewardship. The nation has adopted international standards and best practices for sustainability and is one of the few countries in the region to have ecolodges officially certified by the Green Destinations’ Good Travel Seal program, reflecting strong conservation and responsible travel policies. This program ensures these sites meet high standards in wastewater treatment, renewable energy and wildlife monitoring.

      As a result of our strategic approach, Guyana has won several international awards, including the coveted PATWA International Award for Destination of the Year - Natural Attractions in 2025. At the same time, I was honored to receive the PATWA International Travel Award for Tourism Minister of the Year - Ecological Tourism. This is Guyana’s second year securing awards from PATWA, which reflects the growing international awareness and appreciation of our Destination Guyana marketing campaign. These accolades validate the quality of our tourism product, the depth of our cultural and natural assets and the hard work of all those in the sector, from government leaders to local communities and private stakeholders. We are proud of how far we have come, and even more excited about where we are headed.

    • Guyana is heavily focused on improving access to remote areas essential for ecotourism development. Strategic investments are being made in transportation, accommodation and site development, especially in remote and interior regions. This includes upgrading airstrips, roads and visitor facilities to enhance accessibility to eco and adventure destinations while preserving their integrity. We are also focused on expanding international aviation capacity. The government allocated $976 million in the 2025 national budget to advance road and bridge infrastructure nationwide.

      Large projects include the new Corentyne River Bridge, a partnership with the government of Suriname that will see the construction of a 1,100-metre bridge across the waterway. The government has also recently completed the construction of 45 bridges along the vital Linden-Lethem corridor, which represents a significant milestone in enhancing national connectivity and fostering regional development. These new bridges greatly improve access to numerous ecotourism destinations in the region and will directly unlock greater opportunities for sustainable tourism.

      Additionally, the government has invested $582,000 in information and communications technology (ICT) hubs in hinterland regions to enhance digital connectivity and support tourism activities. Over 1,500 individuals, including students and persons with disabilities, received ICT training to enhance digital literacy and support the sustainability of these initiatives.

      The government and private sector have also invested significantly to meet the growing demand for quality accommodation. In 2020 and 2024, four new hotels were completed in regions 2, 6, 7 and 10, totalling 561 rooms. These hotels were built by international brands Aiden By Best Western and Royal International Hotel.

      Complementing these efforts, the government is redeveloping the Botanical Gardens in Georgetown, a key urban green space and historical site. This revitalization project includes upgraded walkways, green parking zones, improved lighting and a planned wildlife conservation and education centre. This development will enhance the capital’s tourism appeal and support a more holistic visitor experience that bridges the coast with the interior.

    • International markets are crucial for expanding Guyana's tourism. The GTA has appointed Emerging Destinations, a market representation firm, to promote the country in North American travel markets and boost visibility abroad. This partnership aims to raise awareness and establish Guyana’s presence in these key markets, increase demand and strengthen connections between international tour operators, travelers and the Guyanese travel trade.

      Marketing in Europe – including the United Kingdom – is a high priority for Guyana. British Airways and KLM now connect this key region to our country. Our tourism offering is heavily aligned with European travel values. Cooperative marketing opportunities with airlines and tour operators are actively being pursued to boost Guyana’s presence in all key target markets. Additionally, regional integration and multi-destination twinning with Barbados, St. Lucia and Grenada are critical parts of our marketing strategy. These initiatives work well for all countries as Guyana's tourism offerings are distinctly different from those provided in the Caribbean. Together, we create an appealing value proposition for prospective travelers.

      Additionally, the GTA has appointed West Indies cricketer Gudakesh Motie as our official Tourism Brand Ambassador. Motie will promote Guyana as a leading sustainable tourism destination through digital content, community outreach and media appearances. The GTA is also marketing through the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s digital series, Travel Redefined: Tourism for People and Planet, to promote Caiman House and Breeze Travel; market licensed tour operators via a digital booking platform; and expand international access to local experiences. This is being done in line with our Content with a Purpose marketing initiative

    • The government offers specific incentives and policies to attract both foreign and local investors to develop tourism-related projects. These include tax holidays, duty-free concessions and other benefits. The Guyana Office for Investment works closely with investors to bring these international projects to fruition. Local investors can access funding through agencies like the Small Business Bureau, which offers grants and low-interest loans for community tourism, craft production and hospitality businesses. Investments in the hinterland and underserved regions are encouraged through additional incentives to promote rural and ecotourism development.

    • As tourism grows, maintaining a balance with environmental conservation is critical. The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the GTA are working closely with conservation partners. We have adopted a low-volume, high-value tourism model to ensure that tourism expansion does not compromise Guyana’s natural and cultural landscape. In places like the North Rupununi, tourism is community-managed and built around conservation. Local indigenous communities act as stewards of the environment, ensuring that tourism activities support – rather than threaten – biodiversity and cultural heritage. Visitor numbers are regulated at Kaieteur National Park and other ecologically sensitive sites, and tour operators must be licensed and trained.

      The ministry and GTA collaborate with non-governmental organizations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature, Conservation International Guyana and Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development to align tourism with long-term conservation goals. This includes support for wildlife monitoring, research and sustainable development planning. In 2025, more ecolodges within the Rupununi region and hotels along the coast are exploring certification with the aforementioned Good Travel Seal program.

      In addition to these longstanding efforts, updated initiatives are actively reinforcing conservation in key areas. The EU‑funded Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme launched a community-led biodiversity monitoring component in November 2024 across seven indigenous Rupununi communities. It integrates innovative tools such as environmental DNA, soundscape analysis and camera traps to assess birds, mammals and fish and inform tourism zoning and natural resource management.

    • The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is committed to ensuring that Guyana's workforce is prepared and empowered to meet the demands of our rapidly emerging industries. To achieve this, we are working alongside the private sector and our international development partners to ensure targeted skills development and workforce readiness. We are identifying critical skills gaps and aligning training programs to meet industry-specific needs, particularly in tourism and small business development.

      We recognize that education and training are fundamental pillars of national development. We have consistently invested in education and training institutions in Guyana to expand opportunities for our people. Through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning, our government has awarded over 39,000 scholarships in only five years to empower citizens with the skills and qualifications necessary to meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce. These programs are delivered in partnership with both local and international institutions to ensure access to world-class learning. In 2025, more than 200 Guyanese graduated in tourism-related disciplines. This highlights the success of our push to build capacity for the numerous employment opportunities being created in our rapidly expanding tourism sector.

      On the international front, we are leveraging expertise from global partners to bring cutting-edge knowledge and best practices to Guyana. For example, in tourism and ecotourism, we are working with renowned international experts to equip our communities with the tools and guidance necessary to design world-class, sustainable tourism products.

    • While oil and gas dominate Guyana’s economy, the government is actively promoting other sectors to diversify its industrial base and attract investment. The nation is revitalizing its agriculture sector by encouraging investments in high-value crops such as broccoli, cauliflower and peppers. The government has established agro-processing facilities in regions such as Sophia, Parika and Mabaruma. These hubs are equipped to help farmers and entrepreneurs add value to raw agricultural products, turning fruits, vegetables and cassava into packaged, market-ready goods.

      Additionally, the ICT sector is being developed to support digital transformation across various industries. Investments are being made in expanding broadband connectivity, establishing ICT hubs, and promoting digital literacy to create a more connected and technologically advanced society. Guyana is also investing in renewable energy projects in line with its Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, including solar, hydro and wind power. The government is encouraging private sector participation in developing sustainable energy solutions that provide reliable power to urban and rural areas.

      At the forefront of Guyana’s industrial strategy is the Gas-to-Energy project, a transformative national initiative aimed at reducing energy costs, enhancing power reliability and driving industrial growth. The project involves transporting natural gas from offshore oil fields to an integrated facility onshore that includes a power plant and natural gas liquids plant. Once completed, it is expected to cut electricity costs by up to 50%, depending on final pricing structures and operational efficiencies. It will significantly boost our manufacturing and agro-processing potential and reduce the country's dependence on imported fuels. This project forms a critical pillar of Guyana’s long-term energy security and economic diversification agenda.

      Another key lynchpin in our industrialization agenda is boosting value-added manufacturing, especially in key sectors such as agriculture, mining and forestry. This includes initiatives to increase the production rate of forestry products and encourage modernization of the manufacturing sector. Our four industrial estates established across the country offer subsidized facilities to light manufacturers, many of whom specialize in value-added products.

      The government has also completed and is set to commission two new industrial sites in regions 2 and 10, opening the door to significant opportunities for light manufacturing beyond the capital. These developments are expected to boost local economies and generate employment for residents, contributing to more balanced and inclusive national growth. Building a strong manufacturing sector remains central to our vision. The success of existing industrial sites supports value-added production and job creation. We will continue to expand industrial infrastructure nationwide, aligned with our goal of holistic and sustainable development.

      The government has also invested in business incubators that offer free start-up facilities for agro-processors, with a strong focus on value-added production. As a result, many of our farmers have successfully expanded their operations, moving beyond the sale of raw, perishable goods to the creation of high-demand products with longer shelf lives. Through these incubators, farmers are now producing substantial quantities of virgin coconut oil, tea bags, flour and other value-added items. This not only boosts their productivity and income but also positions the agro-processing sector as a key driver of rural development and economic diversification. We are also helping small and medium-sized enterprises through agencies such as the Guyana Marketing Corporation and the Small Business Bureau to meet packaging, certification and quality standards for export.