The opening of the AC Marriott Hotel at Ogle signals strong investor confidence in Guyana and underscores the country’s deliberate, forward-looking development strategy, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali said Saturday.
Speaking at the hotel’s official opening, Ali said the decision by investors to move immediately into a second phase of development reflects trust in Guyana’s economic direction.
“Normally, when someone launches the first phase of a project, they wait to see if returns will come before launching the second phase,” Ali said. “But this demonstrates confidence in our economy.”
The president said the new hotel aligns with the government’s broader plans to modernise infrastructure, expand tourism and diversify economic opportunities.
Ali pointed to sharp growth in air travel and connectivity over the past four years, citing major increases at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Arriving passenger traffic has risen by nearly 450 per cent, aircraft movements by more than 440 per cent, and total traffic across all ports of entry exceeded 1.2 million in 2025, he said.
International carriers serving Guyana have increased by 220 per cent, while destinations served have grown by 184 per cent, according to the president.
Ali also linked economic expansion to security and stability, noting that the government has invested heavily in technology-driven crime-fighting and intelligence.
“The success of our businesses and our economic expansion depends heavily on how secure a region we have,” he said, adding that Guyana is recording its lowest crime levels in more than a decade.
He assured hotel developers and tourism stakeholders that the government will work closely with the sector to support sustainable growth.
“You are with a government that will sit with all the hotels, resorts and tourism outlets to develop a joint strategy, not only in marketing, but in targeting,” Ali said.
Tourism, he added, is a key pillar of national development and must be supported by quality infrastructure, healthcare, education, environmental stewardship and responsible citizenship.
“We can have the best changing skylines and road networks, but we also have to have the best citizens,” the president said.
Speaking on behalf of the investor group, Chief Executive Officer John Aboud thanked the people and government of Guyana for their partnership. He said the current phase of the project will create about 250 permanent jobs, with 98 per cent of the workforce being Guyanese, many receiving ongoing hospitality training.
Aboud said construction of the next phase will begin shortly and is expected to be completed within two years. That phase will include an 80,000-square-foot lifestyle centre, a 180,000-square-foot A-class office and professional park, and 24 luxury residential units.
When fully completed, the overall investment is expected to reach about US$200 million.
In closing remarks, Ali said the AC Marriott Ogle sends a message beyond Guyana’s borders.
“It says Guyana is open, Guyana is confident, and Guyana is serious about quality,” he said. “We are not waiting to be discovered. We are preparing to be chosen.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnering with investors to ensure their long-term success.