๐๐ฎ๐ฒ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ, ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM โ Guyana has secured another remarkable achievement on the international stage, earning the prestigious title of Best Emerging Destination 2026 at the World Tourism Awards. The award was accepted by the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Honourable Susan Rodrigues, on behalf of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, during the World Tourism Awards and Gala Dinner held in Brussels, Belgium, on Monday evening.
This distinguished recognition represents more than an accolade for Destination Guyana; it is a powerful affirmation of the countryโs growing stature within the global tourism industry and the remarkable transformation taking place across its tourism landscape. It signals that Guyana is no longer simply an emerging destination with extraordinary potential, but an increasingly prominent player capturing the attention, imagination and interest of travellers worldwide.
The award comes at a defining moment in Guyanaโs tourism journey, as the country experiences unprecedented growth in visitor arrivals, accelerated investments in tourism infrastructure, expansion of its accommodation capacity and the continued development of diverse, authentic and immersive visitor experiences.
In accepting the award, Minister Rodrigues described the recognition as a testament to the countryโs progress, the Governmentโs strategic vision and the collective efforts of the many stakeholders contributing to the advancement of the tourism sector.
โThis 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,โ the Minister said.
Tourism continues to occupy an increasingly strategic position within Guyanaโs national development agenda, serving as a critical pillar of economic diversification and an important avenue for generating employment, stimulating entrepreneurship, attracting investment and creating opportunities across communities.
Through the leadership of His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Government continues to advance a comprehensive approach to tourism development, supported by strategic investments in national infrastructure, international air connectivity, accommodation, human capital development, destination marketing and the strengthening of the countryโs tourism product.
The impact of these investments is reflected in Guyanaโs impressive visitor arrival figures. In 2025, the country welcomed 453,489 visitors, representing a 22 per cent increase over 2024 and the highest number of arrivals ever recorded in its history. This achievement underscores the growing demand for Guyanaโs distinctive tourism offering and the effectiveness of sustained efforts to position the country within key international source markets.
However, Guyanaโs tourism ambition is not defined solely by the number of visitors it attracts. Equally important is the countryโs commitment to ensuring that tourism growth translates into tangible and lasting benefits for its people.
Minister Rodrigues underscored this vision, emphasising the Governmentโs commitment to developing a tourism industry that is sustainable, inclusive and internationally competitive.
โBut 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,โ she stated.
This vision recognises tourism as an economic opportunity that extends well beyond traditional hospitality businesses.
