Govt focused on improving quality of national events – Rodrigues

As part of its strategy to advance the local tourism sector, the Guyana Government is focused not only introducing new attractions but on improving the quality of traditional events.

This is according to Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues.

“The Government of Guyana is also focused on strengthening the quality and visibility of our national events calendar. Through the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), we are working to professionalise, expand and elevate events that have long been part of our cultural and sporting landscape,” the minister said on Saturday during the opening of the Plaza Court Hotel on Main Street, Georgetown.

A clear example of these efforts, she said, is the ministry’s direct involvement in this year’s Rupununi Rodeo – an event that has been a part of the country’s cultural history for some 57 years.

The ministry now holds a seat on the organising committee and according to Minister Rodriges, the government is committed to elevating the event as a key tourism and economic driver of the Rupununi and the entire country.

She said, “this approach reflects a broader strategy, not only to introduce new attractions but to enhance the quality, visibility and economic impact of those that already define our national identity”.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has already announced that Guyana’s 60th Independence anniversary will be observed as a grand homecoming for the Guyanese diaspora and a bold launchpad for the country’s Orange Economy, with major investments planned in culture, tourism, film, entertainment and national infrastructure.

Mashramani 2026 is also being elevated.  Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, has announced that the government will invest over $120 million – the largest investment to be made – in making this year’s celebration a truly remarkable national experience.

Meanwhile, beyond these events, Minister Rodrigues highlighted that Guyana continues to position itself as a key destination for major international conferences and exhibitions.

She pointed to the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, an event which now attracts thousands of delegates annually and generates measurable demand for hotels, airlines, transport providers and tourism services.

“Events of this scale demonstrate why expanding and modernising our accommodation sector is not optional but essential,” the minister noted.

Guyana has developed nine major hotels over the last five years, adding more than 1000 rooms to the national inventory. Locally branded hotels, along with international players such as Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, AC Marriott, Aiden by Best Western and soon, Four Points by Sheraton, will all be complemented by several additional major brands that are projected to deliver more than 1300 new rooms in the coming years.

Meanwhile, as Guyana continues to develop and expand its tourism product, Minister Rodrigues underscored the need for sustained investments eco-tourism – an area in which the country is already globally-recognised.

The Guyana Government has already received approximately 30 proposals for the establishment of eco-lodges across the country.

Areas that were identified for suitable investment of eco-lodges were Mashabo in Region Two, Vreed en Hoop Waterfront and Leguan in Region Three, Stabroek Waterfront in Region Four, Bartica, Sakaika Falls and Kumerau Falls in Region Seven, Kamana and Orinduik Falls in Region Eight, and Lethem in Region Nine.

The proposals are currently being reviewed.

In its request for proposals (RFPs), the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce said it was prepared to offer attractive incentives for the development of the eco lodge and resort industry, including fiscal incentives.