Guyana selected to host prestigious USTOA Sustainability Summit in 2027

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, today announced that Guyana has been selected to host the 2027 Sustainability is Responsibility (SIR) Summit of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), scheduled for March 7–10, 2027.

The selection represents a significant achievement for Guyana’s tourism sector, placing the country at the centre of an important international conversation on responsible tourism while creating a valuable opportunity to showcase its natural and cultural heritage to influential representatives of the North American travel industry.

Guyana secured the hosting opportunity following a competitive international bid process, during which its proposal was recognised for its creativity, vision and commitment to sustainability. The successful bid reflects growing international recognition of Guyana’s approach to tourism development, which places considerable emphasis on environmental conservation, community participation and the preservation of the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Organised annually by USTOA, the Sustainability is Responsibility Summit brings together representatives of leading tour operators, travel companies and tourism organisations to examine challenges and opportunities surrounding sustainable tourism. Through interactive discussions, educational sessions and practical experiences, participants collaborate on strategies that can help shape a more responsible future for the global travel industry.

Previous editions of the summit have been hosted in destinations including Norway, Singapore, Valencia in Spain, and Anchorage, Alaska. Guyana will now join this distinguished group of international destinations, further strengthening its position as an emerging leader in sustainable tourism.

Unlike traditional conferences held entirely within meeting facilities, the 2027 summit will immerse participants in Guyana’s tourism experiences, allowing them to explore firsthand the country’s approach to sustainable tourism development.

The programme will begin in Georgetown before moving to Baganara Island Resort on the Essequibo River, where participants will engage in educational sessions, collaborative discussions and experiential activities highlighting the relationship between tourism, the natural environment and local communities.

The summit is also expected to include a visit to the iconic Kaieteur Falls, one of Guyana’s most celebrated natural attractions, providing delegates with an opportunity to experience the country’s exceptional biodiversity and protected landscapes.

Additional optional pre- and post-summit programmes are being developed to encourage participants to explore more of Guyana, including its interior regions and community-based tourism experiences.

These activities will allow international tourism professionals to discover Guyana’s offerings firsthand and gain greater insight into opportunities for incorporating the destination into their travel programmes.

The summit represents more than an international gathering. It is a strategic opportunity to build relationships with influential tourism businesses, increase destination awareness and encourage the development of new tourism partnerships.

USTOA’s membership includes some of the most established and influential tour operators serving the North American travel market. Bringing representatives of these companies to Guyana provides an important platform for demonstrating the country’s readiness to welcome international visitors while highlighting opportunities for responsible tourism growth.

The summit is also expected to create opportunities for local tourism businesses, including accommodation providers, tour operators, transportation companies, guides and community-based tourism enterprises, while showcasing the important role these stakeholders play in Guyana’s tourism economy.

Speaking on this opportunity, Susan Rodrigues, Minister of Tourism, Industry & Commerce expressed that: “Guyana has made a deliberate decision to develop tourism around the very things that make our country distinctive: our extraordinary natural environment, our cultural diversity and the people who keep our traditions and communities alive. Hosting the 2027 USTOA Sustainability is Responsibility Summit gives us the opportunity to show international tour operators how these assets translate into tourism experiences, business opportunities and livelihoods for Guyanese. Importantly, this is an opportunity to strengthen Guyana’s presence in the North American travel market and build direct relationships with the companies that can bring more visitors to our shores. As we expand the sector, we remain focused on ensuring that tourism creates lasting economic value for our people while protecting the natural and cultural heritage that makes Guyana worth discovering.”

Kamrul Baksh, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, said: “Hosting the 2027 USTOA Sustainability is Responsibility Summit is an important milestone for Guyana and a strong endorsement of the direction in which our tourism industry is developing. We have consistently promoted a model of tourism that protects our natural environment, celebrates our cultural heritage and creates meaningful opportunities for communities across the country. This summit will allow us to demonstrate that commitment to some of the most influential voices in the North American travel industry. It is also an opportunity to build lasting partnerships that can support the continued growth of tourism in Guyana, while ensuring that the benefits of that growth reach our people and communities.”

Guyana has increasingly attracted international attention for its vast rainforests, remarkable biodiversity, distinctive cultural heritage and expanding range of nature, adventure and community-led tourism experiences.

The country’s tourism development strategy recognises the value of its natural resources and emphasises responsible growth, community involvement and long-term sustainability.

Hosting the USTOA SIR Summit will offer Guyana an important opportunity to present these commitments to an international audience of tourism decision-makers, while exchanging knowledge and best practices with organisations actively working to advance responsible tourism around the world.

The summit will be delivered through a partnership between USTOA and the Guyana Tourism Authority, with the support of local tourism stakeholders and industry partners.

Further details on the programme and associated tourism experiences will be announced in the coming months.