Iwokrama & GTA sign MOU to promote tourism development in Region 9

See full release issued by the Guyana Tourism Authority:  

The Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development (Iwokrama) and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support tourism development in the North Rupununi, Region 9.

Guyana continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading ecotourism destination, with the Government of Guyana advancing tourism at the community level. Visitor arrivals continue to surpass expectations. In January 2026, Guyana recorded its highest January arrivals on record, welcoming 34,923 visitors, a 17.2 per cent increase compared with January 2025. Growth is projected to continue in the years ahead.

Historically, Iwokrama has been at the forefront of tourism development in the North Rupununi by providing the link between Georgetown and the River Lodge at Kurupukari. Many former staff members of Iwokrama’s tourism operations have gone on to lead tourism initiatives in their own villages.

This MOU will provide for marketing, product development support and capacity building in various tourism disciplines done through the establishment of a community tourism training institute at the Iwokrama River Lodge.

CEO of Iwokrama, Dane Gobin, speaking on the importance of this MOU, emphasised the following:

“I am pleased to have entered into this MOU with the GTA for the development of community tourism operations in the North Rupununi. The GTA is also committed to this effort, and so there is alignment in our work plans. Iwokrama remains the only internationally certified area for Recreational Services in the region – a testament to the Centre’s commitment to best practices in its operations. Iwokrama was awarded the Good Travel Seal Certificate in 2023 for a two-year period. It was renewed in 2026 following ongoing, measurable work in sustainability. In more recent times, Iwokrama was awarded the Good Travel Seal for 2026.”

Director of the GTA, Kamrul Baksh, remarked that, “This Memorandum of Understanding marks an important step in deepening collaboration between the Guyana Tourism Authority and Iwokrama. It reflects our shared commitment to sustainable tourism development that protects our natural heritage while creating meaningful opportunities for communities and visitors alike.

By working together, we will continue to strengthen Destination Guyana’s position as a global leader in nature-based tourism and conservation-focused travel.”

The Centre is grateful to the Government of Guyana for its valuable, ongoing support to the Centre. Special thanks are extended to the certification team of the Centre and our local community partners, the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), for their unwavering support.