Guyana records 271,000 visitors through July, targets 500,000 in 2026
Key Points(5)
- Guyana welcomed more than 271,000 visitors during the first seven months of 2026 as the country’s tourism sector continues to grow, with the government aiming to surpass 500,000 arrivals by the end of the year.
- Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues said the latest figures demonstrate continued momentum for Destination Guyana following significant growth recorded in 2025.
- In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Rodrigues said July was particularly strong, with more than 45,000 visitors arriving during the month — the highest number ever recorded for July.
- The minister attributed the sector’s performance in part to Guyana’s expanding calendar of events and continued investments in accommodation, infrastructure, training and capacity building.
- Tourism has also been identified as an important component of Guyana’s efforts to diversify its rapidly expanding economy, with the government seeking to ensure that increased arrivals generate opportunities for communities and businesses across the country.
Guyana welcomed more than 271,000 visitors during the first seven months of 2026 as the country’s tourism sector continues to grow, with the government aiming to surpass 500,000 arrivals by the end of the year.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues said the latest figures demonstrate continued momentum for Destination Guyana following significant growth recorded in 2025.
In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Rodrigues said July was particularly strong, with more than 45,000 visitors arriving during the month — the highest number ever recorded for July.
The minister attributed the sector’s performance in part to Guyana’s expanding calendar of events and continued investments in accommodation, infrastructure, training and capacity building.
Tourism has also been identified as an important component of Guyana’s efforts to diversify its rapidly expanding economy, with the government seeking to ensure that increased arrivals generate opportunities for communities and businesses across the country.
Rodrigues said the economic impact of tourism extends beyond hotels and other accommodation providers to farmers, taxi operators, restaurants, tour guides, artisans and entertainers.
“It is one thing to build the profile of your country internationally by increasing visibility and marketing of Destination Guyana, but the more important thing is expanding our economic diversification, promoting sustainability and ensuring that the benefits of tourism touches every single Guyanese,” she said.
The ministry is also seeking to expand community-based tourism, including through investments in smaller accommodations such as community-operated guesthouses and efforts to encourage more local entrepreneurs to participate in the industry.
Guyana is meanwhile preparing to host the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) for the first time in October.
Rodrigues said hosting the conference reflects Guyana’s growing credibility and its rising regional and international profile as a tourism destination.
The government is optimistic that visitor numbers will accelerate during the remaining months of the year, particularly in December, which is traditionally Guyana’s strongest month for arrivals.
With more than 271,000 visitors recorded through July, the ministry is targeting more than 500,000 arrivals by the end of 2026.
