Guyana to Take CTO Spotlight as its Tourism Industry Hits New Heights
by Bruce Parkinson
Guyana Mashramani and Culture Tour (PHOTO Wilderness Explorers).
Guyana is preparing to host the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), October 5-9, amid sustained tourism growth, with Canada among the fastest-growing source markets.
The nation is one of South America’s best-kept travel secrets, offering pristine rainforest, exceptional wildlife, Indigenous cultural experiences, and adventure tourism without the crowds found in many neighbouring countries.
With its English-speaking population, growing eco-tourism sector, Kaieteur Falls, rainforest lodges, wildlife viewing, and emerging luxury accommodations, Guyana is becoming an increasingly attractive option for adventure and nature-focused clients.
Speaking during Caribbean Week in New York last month, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues reported that the country welcomed a record 453,489 visitors in 2025, a 22% increase over 2024.
The upward trajectory continues in 2026. According to CTO’s recently released Tourism Industry Review, Guyana welcomed 107,286 visitors during the first quarter, a 12% increase over the same period in 2025.
Arrivals from the Caribbean grew 17.8%, followed by Canada at 17.5%, the United States at 5.4% and Europe at 4.4%.
Guyana’s growth has been supported by increased airlift, nearly 2,500 additional hotel rooms over the past four years and more than 70 new tourism experiences since 2020. Transat and Caribbean Airlines both offer flights from Toronto to Georgetown.
As Guyana prepares to welcome regional and international tourism leaders for SOTIC 2026, you can learn more about the country’s burgeoning tourism industry by watching this video.
