Guyana has secured international recognition as the Best Emerging Destination for 2026, winning the prestigious title at the World Tourism Awards in Brussels, Belgium, as the country continues to experience record visitor arrivals and growing investment in its tourism industry.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues accepted the award on behalf of Guyana during the World Tourism Awards and Gala Dinner on Monday evening.
The recognition comes as Guyana strengthens its position in the international tourism market, supported by expanded airline connectivity, new hotel developments and increasing interest in its natural attractions and adventure tourism experiences.
Accepting the award, Rodrigues said the recognition reflected the country’s progress in developing its tourism industry and attracting greater attention from international travellers.
“This recognition is particularly meaningful to us because it reflects the remarkable transformation taking place in our country and the growing international recognition of Destination Guyana,” the Minister stated.
The latest international award follows a record-breaking year for Guyana’s tourism industry.
In 2025, the country welcomed 453,489 visitors, a 22 per cent increase over 2024 and the highest annual total recorded in its history. That upward trend has continued into 2026.
According to the Guyana Tourism Authority, the country recorded 47,726 visitor arrivals in October alone, representing a 12.8 per cent increase over the corresponding month last year.
The October performance brought total arrivals for the first 10 months of 2026 to 408,349, placing Guyana within reach of its target of 500,000 visitors by year-end.
Of those who visited in October, 59 per cent travelled for leisure, while 17 per cent visited for business and the remaining 24 per cent arrived for other purposes.
The United States remains Guyana’s largest source market, followed by the Caribbean, Latin America, Canada and Europe.
The growth comes amid increased international air connectivity, expanding accommodation facilities and efforts to attract more business and leisure travellers.
Despite the growing visitor numbers, Rodrigues stressed that the Government’s tourism development strategy is not focused solely on attracting more international arrivals.
She said the country must also ensure that the industry’s expansion creates meaningful economic opportunities for Guyanese, particularly small businesses and Indigenous communities.
“But our vision extends beyond increasing visitor numbers. We are committed to building a sustainable, inclusive and competitive tourism industry โ one that creates meaningful opportunities for our people, supports local enterprises, empowers Indigenous communities,” Rodrigues said.
The Minister explained that tourism development presents opportunities across several sectors, including agriculture, transportation, hospitality, entertainment and small-scale manufacturing.
Farmers, fisherfolk, artisans, tour operators and transportation providers are among those who could benefit from increasing demand for tourism-related products and services.
Community-based tourism is also being promoted as a means of generating income in hinterland communities while preserving Indigenous traditions and cultural heritage.
Rodrigues credited President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s leadership and acknowledged the contributions of the Guyana Tourism Authority, private sector operators, investors and communities involved in developing and promoting the country’s tourism offerings.
Guyana’s growing reputation as a destination for nature-based and adventure tourism has been supported by its extensive rainforests, rich biodiversity, spectacular waterfalls and distinctive Indigenous cultures.
Among its internationally recognised attractions are Kaieteur Falls, the Rupununi savannahs and the country’s wildlife-rich rainforest ecosystems.
These attractions form part of Guyana’s efforts to distinguish itself from traditional Caribbean tourism destinations by offering visitors opportunities to experience nature, wildlife, adventure and cultural immersion.
At the same time, investments in hotels, transportation infrastructure and tourism services are intended to strengthen the country’s capacity to accommodate increasing numbers of travellers.
The Government has set a target of welcoming more than one million visitors annually by 2030, with tourism positioned as an important contributor to economic diversification.
Rodrigues’ visit to Brussels also coincided with the World Tourism Forum Institute’s Annual Meeting, held from November 9 to 10 under the theme “Investment and Security”.
The gathering brought together international tourism officials, investors and industry representatives to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
