Nestled in South America’s north-eastern shoulder, Guyana is a country of immense natural beauty, diverse cultures, and rich ecological treasures. As the only English-speaking country in South America, Guyana is rapidly emerging as a hidden gem for eco-tourism and adventure seekers. With its rainforests, waterfalls, wildlife, and vibrant cultural heritage, the country is making significant strides to enhance the tourism infrastructure, creating an easier, safer, and more enjoyable experience for international travellers.
With nature, adventure and culture-based activities, Guyana embodies a significantly diverse tourism product offering. The investment potential is high, and through the Government of Guyana’s renewed Low Carbon Development Strategy, our vision to become a leading tourism destination will be realised. The Government of Guyana is implementing measures to promote nature, adventure and ecotourism, both locally and internationally, as well as measures to increase the availability of world-class hotels; there exists an estimated need of 2000 additional rooms. To this end, the Government offers special incentives for new hotels and businesses.
Between 2022 and the end of 2025, 8 new hotels will be completed, which would provide 991 rooms in Guyana’s Room Stock. Fifteen new tourism products were developed in 2023 to diversify our tourism experience further, with a view to having more indigenous community tourism enterprises established. Communities in the South Rupununi, Region One circuit, Region 10 circuit, Essequibo Circuit, and the Berbice Circuit will be supported. A total of 18 communities will receive support. In 2021 and 2022, 7 and 17 products were developed respectively.
Why Invest in Guyana’s Tourism?
Guyana’s pristine forest, dozens of waterfalls, stunning sunkissed savannahs, majestic mountains, breathtaking bio-diversity and unique, authentic cultural, adventure and indigenous experiences make it the PERFECT destination for a lodge. Its open foreign investment regime (with incentives offered) has fostereda growing and expanding tourism industry with a cornucopia of tourism investment opportunities.
World-Class Airports and International Connectivity
Guyana is served by two key international airports:
- Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) near the capital city of Georgetown.
- Eugene F. Correia International Airport located in Ogle, just east of Georgetown.
CJIA is Guyana’s primary international gateway and has undergone major expansion in recent years. With a new terminal, modern passenger amenities, duty-free shopping, and expanded runways, the airport now accommodates direct flights from the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and South America. Airlines such as American Airlines, JetBlue, Caribbean Airlines, and Copa Airlines offer regular services, making Guyana more accessible than ever.
Eugene F. Correia Airport caters to regional flights and domestic travel, connecting tourists to the country’s interior lodges, eco-resorts, and indigenous communities. These airports now reflect Guyana’s commitment to making travel seamless, comfortable, and globally connected.
Road Infrastructure and Easy Interior Access
Guyana’s road network has seen substantial development, particularly on the coastal highway and connections to interior regions. The East Coast and East Bank Demerara highways have been upgraded, allowing for smoother travel from the airport to Georgetown and other urban centres. The Lethem-Georgetown corridor, which links the coast to the interior and eventually to Brazil, is a major infrastructure priority. As more eco-lodges and indigenous villages open up for tourism in the hinterland, road and bridge development projects are making these regions more accessible year-round.
Rural and off-the-beaten-path areas are now easier to reach, thanks to government-supported hinterland airstrips, river transport upgrades, and private sector charter flights that provide quick access to Kaieteur Falls, Iwokrama Forest, and the Rupununi savannah.
Local Transportation and Travel Convenience
Getting around in Guyana is increasingly tourist-friendly. In Georgetown and other urban areas, travelers can access:
- Licensed taxis
- App-based ride services
- Minibus services for budget travel
For eco-tourism, riverboats remain an essential and scenic mode of transport, with local guides offering immersive trips into the rainforests and protected areas. The rise in tour operators, both local and international, has helped streamline travel logistics for visitors, offering packages that include transport, meals, tours, and cultural experiences—all at competitive prices.
Expanding Hotel and Accommodation Options
Guyana’s hospitality sector is growing to meet the increasing demands of tourists. From international hotels to eco-lodges, the country now offers a range of options:
- International hotels such as Marriott and Ramada operate in Georgetown, offering world-class amenities, conference facilities, and business centers.
- Boutique hotels and guesthouses provide a cozy, local touch for travelers who want to experience authentic Guyanese hospitality.
- Eco-resorts and jungle lodges, like Surama Eco-Lodge, Iwokrama River Lodge, and Rewa Eco-Lodge, offer sustainable stays in remote areas, complete with wildlife tours, indigenous cuisine, and cultural immersion.
The government encourages community-based tourism, supporting indigenous communities to build lodges and homestays that benefit local economies. These developments ensure visitors have safe, clean, and immersive accommodation options throughout the country.
Guyana’s tourism infrastructure is being built with an eye on sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural preservation. The government has prioritized green tourism, ensuring that infrastructure development aligns with climate resilience, environmental protection, and community empowerment.
Many new roads, airstrips, and lodges are constructed using eco-friendly materials, and community partnerships ensure that local voices shape tourism’s growth. Programs that train local youth in hospitality, guiding, and conservation help build a workforce ready for the sector’s expansion. The integration of renewable energy in eco-lodges, digital payment systems, and smart tourism platforms indicates that Guyana is preparing for the future without compromising its natural or cultural wealth.
A Destination on the Rise
With strategic infrastructure investments, traveller-friendly policies, and a growing global profile, Guyana is fast becoming a top eco-tourism destination in the Western Hemisphere. Whether it’s the roar of Kaieteur Falls, the call of a scarlet macaw, or a warm cup of bush tea shared in an indigenous village, Guyana offers an experience like no other—and it’s now easier to reach, safer to explore, and better equipped to welcome the world.
Notable Awards
- The World’s #1 Best of Ecotourism (March 2019)
- 1st Place for the “Guyana – Welcome back to Nature” Video at the Golden City Gate Awards (March 2019)
- The #1 Best in Sustainable Tourism at the LATA Achievement Awards (June 2019)
- The #1 Best in Destination Stewardship at the CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Awards Programme (August 2019)
- 2nd Best of Americas at the Sustainable Destination Awards (March 2020)
- Commendable Status at the World Responsible Tourism Awards (COVID-19 focused) (November 2020)
- 1st Star/Place “Stay Safe” Destination Video at the International “Golden City Gate” Award at ITB NOW (March 2021)
- Rewa Eco-lodge was listed as part of the top 100 Destination Sustainability Stories (October 2021)
- Rewa Eco-lodge secured 2nd Place in Communities and Culture – 2022 Green Destination Story Awards (March 2022)
- Iwokrama River Lodge was listed as part of the top 100 Destination Sustainability Stories (December 2022)
- Five (5) Eco Lodges received accreditation from the Green Destinations (GSTC) – Good Travel Seal+ Certification Program, which will last for a two-year period (2022 – 2024