Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, has revealed that government is considering introducing a voluntary price cap of US$200 per night for Guyanese and diaspora visitors booking hotel stays through official tourism packages.
Speaking during an engagement session with hoteliers and tour operators, Rodrigues said affordability must remain a central pillar if the tourism sector is to grow in a way that benefits both visitors and locals. “This is about ensuring access and affordability for Guyanese first,” she explained, adding that participation in the initiative will be optional but linked to promotional opportunities under Destination Guyana.
The move is expected to help counter concerns over rising room rates as the hotel industry expands. Rodrigues said more than 15 new hotels are under construction, which will boost national room stock from 4,200 to over 6,400 in the near future.
While the price cap idea drew the most attention, Rodrigues also outlined other plans to strengthen the sector. She announced that from 2026 Guyana will host a fixed calendar of quarterly events, with seven and ten day tourism packages marketed to the diaspora and international visitors. She also committed to establishing tourism desks at ports of entry and in hotel lobbies, ensuring visitors are introduced to local experiences from arrival.
Rodrigues stressed that predictability, service standards, and collaboration across the industry will be central to her tenure. “Consistency is what every business needs to be successful,” she told the gathering, urging hoteliers, airlines, and entertainers to work alongside government in packaging Guyana as a world-class destination.
The minister projected that with increased arrivals already up 18 percent over last year Guyana could reach one million visitors within five years. But she warned that growth must be tied to a stronger culture of hospitality, describing tourism as an export industry that must be packaged and marketed with pride.
“This is not a wish list,” Rodrigues concluded. “I intend to achieve everything outlined here, and we can only do it together.”
