President Dr. Irfaan Ali has called on overseas large-scale operators and investors to explore opportunities in Guyana’s tourism sector and consider partnerships with local businesses.

“(We want to) bring in the large-scale tourism operators and tourism investors so they can see the product we have because we are investing in the hinterland, in airstrips, in infrastructure, to make it easier and more inexpensive to get to these locations on earth,” President Ali said in a recent interview with the News Room.

The Guyanese Head of State emphasized that agriculture and manufacturing are crucial to the government’s diversification plans, but he wants tourism to receive greater attention and become a significant income earner for the country.

Part of the growth strategy for the tourism sector involves attracting foreign investors.

President Ali, a strong advocate for partnerships between foreign and local business players, stressed the importance of joint ventures.

He noted that the upcoming International Business Conference (IBC), scheduled for October 15 to 17, will provide an excellent platform for locals and foreign investors to forge essential connections.

The conference is designed to foster much-needed business-to-business (B2B) engagements.

These sentiments were echoed by Dee George, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana.

Guyanese tourism has gained recognition as a top ecotourism destination globally in recent years. However, George pointed out that the opportunities in tourism extend beyond ecotourism, highlighting that many more ecotourism ventures are yet to be developed.

According to the THAG President, Guyana’s diversity positions it as an appealing destination for cultural tourism.

The country’s natural assets make it an attractive spot for adventure tourism, as well as health and wellness tourism. Furthermore, community-based tourism has the potential to empower many villages and residents.