By Gtimes

Copyright guyanatimesgy

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues has called on hotels and tour operators to introduce special discounted rates for Guyanese living abroad as part of a wider effort to strengthen the country’s tourism sector and stimulate private investment.

Speaking during a meeting with the Executive Team of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Minister Rodrigues said affordability remains one of the key barriers for both locals and members of the diaspora who wish to vacation in Guyana.
“We are proposing a cap of US$200 a night for Guyanese. So even if you are travelling from the diaspora, you’re a non-resident, but you are Guyanese – you hold a Guyanese passport, or you were born Guyanese – you must be able to access a hotel room at that cap,” the Minister explained.
She clarified that the measure would not affect hotels already charging below US$200 per night but is aimed at ensuring that diaspora visitors and local residents are not priced out of the market at higher-end establishments.
Rodrigues stated that the proposed cap of US$200 per night for Guyanese is not mandatory. However, the Government is exploring the development of tourism packages to assess how effective such initiatives could be.
The Minister stressed that making tourism more accessible to Guyanese is vital to unlocking the sector’s full potential. “If people start to think about it in this way, this sector can really take off. People don’t travel to Guyana to come and lounge by the poolside. They want to eat local food, experience our hospitality, see our sights, and take home a piece of history,” Rodrigues said.
She pointed to challenges in accessibility to some historic and cultural sights, as well as the high cost of accommodation, as issues that must be addressed through collaboration between Government and the private sector.
“President Ali reminded me that our culture is an economic commodity. But to sell it, we first have to prepare our sights, preserve our heritage, and ensure our services are affordable. That’s the experience people are looking for,” she said.

Comprehensive vision
The Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister has also unveiled a comprehensive vision to transform Guyana’s tourism sector over the next five years, emphasising accessibility, affordability, and world-class visitor experiences.
Speaking to stakeholders, Rodrigues stressed that enhancing points of contact for tourists will be a top priority. “We will ensure that all visitors entering our country receive comprehensive information on what Guyana has to offer, tailored to their interests,” she said. The Minister highlighted plans for information desks not only at ports of entry but also in hotel lobbies, accommodations, and major event venues, ensuring visitors can access up-to-date guidance throughout their stay.
Rodrigues underscored the importance of creating curated experiences, stating that hotels and tour operators should not simply offer rooms or meals but a complete package that allows visitors to explore Guyana fully. “Offering packages for seven- or ten-day itineraries, whether for leisure or business, gives you a competitive advantage,” she explained.
To further ensure predictability and consistency in tourism offerings, the Ministry is establishing a full calendar of events for 2026, with major events planned quarterly. The events will coincide with national celebrations such as Mashramani, Independence Day, Easter, and cultural festivals like Diwali, allowing operators to develop packages that enhance the visitor experience.