Newly appointed Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, has outlined her vision to place Guyana’s tourism sector on a stronger, more predictable path, with a focus on consistency, affordability, and private sector investment.
In her first in-depth interview since moving from the Ministry of Housing and Water to Tourism and Commerce, Rodrigues said she intends to introduce a well-structured national calendar of events and push for competitive pricing, allowing visitors to plan ahead and enjoy year-round experiences across the country.
“I find this sector extremely exciting. It allows me to think outside the box, be creative, and engage with stakeholders I view as critical to our economy—our hotels, tour operators, and entertainers,” she said.
The minister underscored the importance of private sector investment in driving growth, noting that there remain untapped opportunities across the industry. “I have a good working relationship, I think, with people, with the private sector. I come from a private sector background. There are a lot of unique opportunities for investment by the private sector that are missing from the tourism industry—areas that people have not tapped into,” she explained.
For now, her immediate priority is to improve predictability and consistency. Plans are already in motion to introduce an annual calendar of events, giving both local and international visitors the ability to plan trips months in advance.
“Predictability was missing from the sector. Whether visitors are here for one day or ten days, they must have access to information about what’s happening, and be assured of high-quality, affordable experiences,” Rodrigues said.
On affordability, the minister stressed that hotels and operators must keep services within reach of Guyanese and the diaspora. “We’ve asked the hotels to look at a price cap of about US$200 a night for Guyanese—that is, if you are a local resident or from the diaspora,” she noted.
Rodrigues also pointed to the need for a cultural shift among Guyanese, emphasising that promoting the country as a destination requires citizens to be hospitable, informed, and engaged. “Tourism is not just the responsibility of hotels or tour guides. Every Guyanese has a role to play in protecting our image, making visitors feel welcome, and helping to raise the profile of destination Guyana,” she said.
The government will continue to focus on upgrading heritage sites, ecotourism destinations, and urban attractions such as Georgetown’s historic core. Meanwhile, the new Tourism and Hospitality Institute in Region Six—expected to be completed by June 2026—will provide hands-on certification in areas such as mixology, cosmetology, and hospitality services.
With strong private sector collaboration and the full support of President Irfaan Ali, Rodrigues said she is confident that Guyana can achieve its target of filling hotel rooms year-round, ensuring tourism becomes a reliable driver of economic diversification.
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