Development of Guyana’s tourism sector to be

Growth in Guyana’s tourism sector continues at a steady pace, with visitor arrivals totalling 170,322 between January and September of 2017. This is a 5.7 per cent increase over the same period in 2016.
This was revealed in Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s 2018 Budget presentation to the National Assembly.
Minister Jordan noted, however, for the tourism sector to become a significant economic driver, in the effort towards diversification, the approach to its development must be multi-faceted.
To this end, the Finance Minister reported that the Guyana Tourism Authority, in the coming year, will focus on several areas, including the promotion of the Guianas Shield as a tourism product; deepening links with industry operatives and investors; supporting the execution of cultural, heritage, and sports events; strengthening ties with the Diaspora to develop and exploit tourism opportunities; and preparing and implementing a Tourism Development and Destination Marketing Plan.
Minister Jordan noted that it was expected that as the economy underwent rapid development in the coming years, additional visits stemming from the hosting of international exhibitions, conferences, and shows, will stimulate growth in the hospitality subsector and the wider tourism sector.
It was also highlighted that over 30 new species of flora and fauna have been discovered in Kaieteur National Park and the Upper Potaro Region.