The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) is continuing with its efforts to highlight the importance of tourism to the national economy and says it is the second largest export sector.
In a release, the Authority stated that tourism has long been regarded as one of the fastest growing sectors in the world and has made significant contribution towards sustainable development. In fact, Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy highlights tourism as a priority value-adding sector requiring increased investment and that level of priority is supported by a growing body of data.
Based on an analysis of the Visitor Expenditure and Motivation survey (VEMS) done by the Bureau of Statistics, the GTA estimates that the average expenditure per international traveller per visit was $222,216 in 2018. With 286,732 total visitors last year, it is estimated that travel and tourism injected approximately $62.6 billion directly into Guyana’s economy, making tourism its second largest export sector.
Tourism, says the GTA, “is recognised globally as an export sector that is non-extractive in nature and for its contribution to all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
To help put the benefits of tourism into perspective, the GTA has highlighted its “Top Ten Reasons Why Tourism is a Force For Good in Guyana.”
Travel and tourism injected approximately $62.6 billion directly into Guyana’s economy (2018).
Tourism is the 2nd largest Export Sector in Guyana after gold.
3. Travel and tourism contributes to 22,000 jobs in Guyana (2018).
4. The total contribution of travel and tourism to Guyana’s GDP is estimated to be 7.8% (2018)
5. Guyana received 286,732 total visitors in 2018 which accounts for a 15.9% increase.
Guyana received 183,639 visitors for tourism alone in 2018 which accounts for a 21% increase.
Based on the analysis of the VEMS survey of the Bureau of Statistics, the GTA estimates that the average expenditure per international traveller per visit is $222,216 (2018).
Tourism contributes to Guyana’s Green State Agenda and all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Guyana is recognised as the world’s #1 Ecotourism destination, Best in Sustainable Tourism, and a Top 10 Sustainable Destination (2019).
Travel and tourism investment in Guyana is projected to increase to $7.7billion by 2028.
GTA Director, Brian T. Mullis weighed in by saying, “Tourism is an important export industry that can become a much more significant economic development tool in Guyana. Increasing awareness of the value and benefits of tourism at a national level is perfectly complemented by private and public efforts to educate the world and locals alike about all that Guyana has to offer and how travelling here makes a difference in supporting job creation and driving community benefits while at the same time protecting our natural and cultural heritage,” the release stated.
