Tourism Association welcomes government’s ambitious tourism agenda

The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) said on Wednesday it was looking forward to the government’s ambitious plans to further boost the sector during President Irfaan Ali’s second term.

Ali, who secured re-election in the Sept. 1 General and Regional Elections, has pledged to transform Guyana into a globally recognised, sustainable tourism powerhouse.

THAG President Mitra Ramkumar told the News Room the association was eager to work with the incoming cabinet, which will play a central role in developing new products and strengthening collaboration.

“We work with everyone, so it’s not only the tourism minister. We look forward to the appointment of cabinet. We have congratulated the President on his re-election and we look forward to all the excitement. There are a lot of plans for these five years,” Ramkumar said.

“We look forward to those plans materialising. It comes with challenges as well, and so we want to work with the government to ensure that as we develop, we develop sustainably and in a way that will benefit all,” he added.

The government has identified niche strategies including medical tourism, spa and wellness retreats, agro-tourism and sports tourism as avenues for growth and diversification.

Domestically, tourism expansion is being aligned with economic planning and investment in infrastructure. Community-based eco-tourism in hinterland regions and public-private partnerships are central to inclusive development, connecting communities while protecting Guyana’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

Ramkumar said THAG already has several cross-border collaborations that will require state backing. The association recently partnered with its counterparts in Suriname and French Guiana to develop inter-regional tourism products.