Unlicensed Airbnbs urged to get registered as accommodations expand across Guyana

Airbnb, an online platform that allows property owners to rent out rooms, apartments and homes to travellers has become one of the most popular alternatives to traditional hotels worldwide.

Regionally, several Caribbean destinations have seen major increases in Airbnb listings in recent years as tourism demand rises and more homeowners turn to short-term rentals as an income source.

In Guyana, the government has been moving to ensure that Airbnb operators meet certain standards through a formal licensing process.

According to Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baksh, 115 properties and 577 rooms have been licensed since the programme began in 2022.

During a recent interview with News Room, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, explained that Airbnb operations in Guyana are required to be licensed through the GTA.

She noted that operators must meet certain standards before being approved.

“So there are some standards that you have to achieve before you are a licensed operator. And then they’re also the sites that you can participate on, that you can list your facility as an Airbnb, and that way you can… get your booking internationally,” Rodrigues explained.

The Minister also highlighted that licensing helps the government better track and regulate the sector, giving authorities a clearer picture of how widespread Airbnb accommodations are across the country.

However, she acknowledged that a significant number of operators are still not registered.

“… many people are operating their Airbnb informally… but once they come to us, we license them,” she said.

The government has been encouraging more operators to become licensed as the tourism industry continues to expand and visitor arrivals increase, particularly with Guyana’s growing reputation as a destination for eco-tourism, business travel and major events.

With demand for accommodation expected to rise further in the coming years, the Minister said ensuring that Airbnb operators meet required standards will be key to maintaining quality and safety in the sector.