Guyana’s newly appointed Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues is calling on hotels to adopt a price cap of about US$200 per night for local residents and members of the Guyanese diaspora as part of a broader push to make tourism more predictable and affordable.
In her first in-depth interview since moving from the Ministry of Housing and Water, Rodrigues said competitive pricing is key to ensuring that Guyanese at home and abroad can enjoy the country’s growing list of attractions without being priced out.
“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,” Rodrigues said. “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.”
The minister’s proposal is part of a larger plan to stabilize the tourism sector by introducing an annual national calendar of events, allowing travelers to plan trips months in advance and giving businesses a more predictable flow of visitors. Rodrigues emphasized that hotels, tour operators, and other stakeholders must balance profitability with accessibility to ensure long-term growth.
Rodrigues, who brings a private-sector background to the role, said investment opportunities remain untapped across the industry and pledged to work closely with businesses to expand offerings. She also highlighted the need for a cultural shift, urging citizens to play their part in promoting hospitality and protecting Guyana’s image as an emerging destination.
The government continues to upgrade heritage sites, ecotourism destinations, and urban attractions, while a Tourism and Hospitality Institute in Region Six, set to open by June 2026, will provide certification in mixology, cosmetology, and hospitality services.
With strong private sector collaboration and the full support of President Irfaan Ali, Rodrigues said the pricing initiative and other reforms aim to fill hotel rooms year-round and establish tourism as a reliable driver of economic diversification.
