Guyana and Jamaica sign tourism cooperation agreement at SOTIC 2026
Key Points(5)
- Guyana and Jamaica have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation in tourism and hospitality, with plans to explore opportunities in investment, air connectivity, training and sustainable tourism development.
- The agreement was signed by Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, and Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026 at Atlantic Suites by Hyatt.
- The signing was attended by Jamaica’s Tourism Ministry Permanent Secretary Jennifer Griffith, Guyana Tourism Authority Director Kamrul Baksh, and Caribbean Tourism Organization Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper.
- The MOU establishes a framework for the countries to share expertise, strengthen ties between tourism stakeholders and encourage travel between the two destinations.
- It also identifies opportunities for cooperation in tourism investment, air connectivity, education and training, sustainable tourism and resilience.
Guyana and Jamaica have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation in tourism and hospitality, with plans to explore opportunities in investment, air connectivity, training and sustainable tourism development.
The agreement was signed by Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, and Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026 at Atlantic Suites by Hyatt.
The signing was attended by Jamaica’s Tourism Ministry Permanent Secretary Jennifer Griffith, Guyana Tourism Authority Director Kamrul Baksh, and Caribbean Tourism Organization Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper.
The MOU establishes a framework for the countries to share expertise, strengthen ties between tourism stakeholders and encourage travel between the two destinations. It also identifies opportunities for cooperation in tourism investment, air connectivity, education and training, sustainable tourism and resilience.
Rodrigues said the agreement would help both countries share knowledge and develop partnerships that benefit their people and the wider Caribbean.
“This partnership allows us to learn from each other’s experiences, build stronger connections between our tourism stakeholders and create opportunities that benefit our people and the wider Caribbean,” she said.
Bartlett described Guyana as an emerging destination whose natural attractions could contribute to the region’s tourism offering and support multi-destination travel.
He also stressed the need for Caribbean countries to focus on the economic benefits tourism generates locally, beyond visitor arrival numbers.
“We want to build the capacity of our people to respond to the demands of prosperity and ensure that we retain greater value from tourism for our people,” Bartlett said.
The agreement comes as Guyana seeks to expand its tourism sector and strengthen international partnerships. Closer cooperation with Jamaica is expected to create opportunities for knowledge-sharing and partnerships as both countries pursue a more resilient and inclusive regional tourism industry.
The signing at SOTIC 2026 underscores regional efforts to coordinate tourism priorities and expand opportunities for Caribbean businesses, workers and communities.
