Guyana has secured the bid to host the United States Tour Operators Association’s (USTOA) 2027 Sustainability is Responsibility Summit, creating an opportunity for local tourism businesses to build ties with leading companies serving the North American travel market.
Scheduled for March 7-10, 2027, the summit will bring representatives of tour operators, travel companies and tourism organisations to Guyana for discussions and firsthand experiences focused on responsible tourism.
The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), which announced the selection in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, said the country emerged successful following a competitive international bidding process. According to the authority, Guyana’s proposal was recognised for its creativity, vision and commitment to sustainability.
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues said the event provides an opportunity to turn international interest in Guyana into business relationships and economic benefits for Guyanese.
“Importantly, this is an opportunity to strengthen Guyana’s presence in the North American travel market and build direct relationships with the companies that can bring more visitors to our shores,” Rodrigues said.
She noted that Guyana’s tourism development is built around its natural environment, cultural diversity and communities, with an emphasis on ensuring that growth delivers lasting benefits.
“As we expand the sector, we remain focused on ensuring that tourism creates lasting economic value for our people while protecting the natural and cultural heritage that makes Guyana worth discovering,” the Minister stated.
The summit’s programme will begin in Georgetown before moving to Baganara Island Resort on the Essequibo River. There, delegates will participate in educational sessions, discussions and activities examining the relationship between tourism, the environment and local communities.
A visit to Kaieteur Falls is also expected to form part of the programme, giving participants an opportunity to experience one of the country’s best-known natural attractions.
Optional tours before and after the summit are being developed to encourage delegates to explore other parts of Guyana, including interior destinations and community-based tourism experiences.
The GTA said these activities will allow international tourism professionals to assess opportunities for including Guyana in their travel programmes.
Local accommodation providers, tour operators, transportation companies, guides and community tourism enterprises are among the businesses expected to benefit from opportunities associated with the event.
GTA Director Kamrul Baksh described the selection as an important milestone for the sector and an endorsement of Guyana’s approach to tourism development.
“We have consistently promoted a model of tourism that protects our natural environment, celebrates our cultural heritage and creates meaningful opportunities for communities across the country,” Baksh said.
He added that the summit could help establish partnerships to support the industry’s continued growth while extending its benefits to communities.
Previous editions of the annual summit have been held in Norway, Singapore, Valencia in Spain, and Anchorage, Alaska. The event brings industry representatives together to examine sustainable tourism challenges and develop practical responses through education, collaboration and shared experiences.
The 2027 summit will be delivered through a partnership between USTOA and the GTA, with support from local tourism stakeholders and industry partners. Further details on the programme and associated tours will be announced in the coming months.
