Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues on Tuesday outlined a wide range of initiatives under Budget 2026 aimed at expanding tourism, strengthening small and medium-sized businesses, improving transport infrastructure, and easing the cost of living for Guyanese.
Speaking during day two of the Budget 2026 debates in the National Assembly, Rodrigues said the budget represents the vehicle through which the government will begin implementing its 2025–2030 commitments, with a focus on people-centred development.
She noted that Guyana’s economy recorded 19.3 per cent growth in 2025, with the non-oil economy expanding by 14.3 per cent, driven by broad-based activity in agriculture, construction, mining, manufacturing and services.
Rodrigues highlighted several measures designed to reduce financial pressure on households, including a $100,000 cash grant for adult citizens, subsidised fuel, cheaper electricity, increased pensions and public assistance, and a higher income tax threshold of $104,000 per month. She said pensions have doubled since 2020 and continue to rise annually.
Higher stipends for Community Service Officers and Community Policing Groups were also included among the relief measures.
The minister said tourism continues to grow beyond expectations and is now firmly established as a key pillar of Guyana’s national development agenda.
Among the tourism-related measures in Budget 2026 are:
- the removal of excise taxes on all-terrain vehicles and outboard engines up to 150 horsepower,
- the introduction of flat-rated taxes on heavy-duty vehicles,
- continued expansion and rehabilitation of hinterland and coastal airstrips,
- completion of the new arrival terminal at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, and
- major allocations for roads and bridges, including corridor and highway projects.
Rodrigues said these measures will reduce operating costs for tour operators, eco-lodges and hinterland communities, while improving affordability and access for domestic travel.
Guyana recorded 453,408 visitor arrivals in 2025, its strongest tourism performance to date, representing a 22 per cent increase compared to 2024, Rodrigues told the House.
She said tourism product development continues to expand, with 15 new experiential offerings launched in 2025, bringing the total to 79 new experiences since 2020 across eco-tourism, river and hinterland adventures, and heritage and cultural tourism.
Hotel capacity has also grown steadily. New international hotel brands added 738 rooms in 2025, while more than 1,000 additional rooms are projected for 2026, increasing total room stock to over 5,600 by year-end. Growth in registered Airbnb properties has further expanded accommodation options.
Rodrigues said the World-Class Tourism and Hospitality Institute is expected to be completed this year, strengthening professional training and service standards across the industry. Since 2020, more than 8,000 persons have been trained through tourism and hospitality programmes.
She also announced new initiatives including a Guyana Fashion Festival and the One Guyana Worship Experience, alongside a reduction in the residency requirement for destination weddings. The change, she said, opens new revenue streams for small businesses such as caterers, planners, photographers, decorators, transport providers and designers.
A central feature of Budget 2026 is the establishment of an SME Development Bank, backed by a $100 million fund, which will allow small and medium-sized enterprises to access interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to $3 billion, with the potential for an additional $7 billion through co-financing with commercial banks.
Rodrigues described the initiative as access to real financing capable of transforming businesses and livelihoods.
Additional measures include:
- the creation of special investment zones across regions,
- expansion of export allowances to include value-added timber products,
- removal of excise tax on locally made furniture,
- removal of corporate taxes on agriculture and agro-processing.
The minister said the Small Business Bureau has increased its focus on community-level projects, with 24 communities benefiting in 2025, directly impacting approximately 250 persons. In 2026, at least 1,500 beneficiaries are expected through development grants, with continued emphasis on community-based initiatives.
Through the Loan Guarantee Programme, 202 businesses benefited in 2025, representing investments of more than $270 million, with government backing up to 70 per cent of required collateral for loans of up to $30 million.
Rodrigues said Budget 2026 reflects an integrated approach to tourism, industry and commerce—linking infrastructure, skills development, financing and community empowerment to support inclusive economic growth and improved quality of life across Guyana.
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