BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – 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 country’s 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 Guyana’s 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 country’s progress, the Government’s strategic vision and the collective efforts of the many stakeholders contributing to the advancement of the tourism sector.
“This 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,” the Minister said.
Tourism continues to occupy an increasingly strategic position within Guyana’s 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 country’s tourism product.
The impact of these investments is reflected in Guyana’s 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 Guyana’s distinctive tourism offering and the effectiveness of sustained efforts to position the country within key international source markets.
However, Guyana’s tourism ambition is not defined solely by the number of visitors it attracts. Equally important is the country’s commitment to ensuring that tourism growth translates into tangible and lasting benefits for its people.
Minister Rodrigues underscored this vision, emphasising the Government’s commitment to developing a tourism industry that is sustainable, inclusive and internationally competitive.
“But our vision extends beyond increasing visitor numbers. We are committed to building a sustainable, inclusive and competitive tourism industry – one that creates meaningful opportunities for our people, supports local enterprises, empowers Indigenous communities,” she stated.
This vision recognises tourism as an economic opportunity that extends well beyond traditional hospitality businesses. It encompasses farmers, fisherfolk, artisans, transportation providers, tour operators, cultural practitioners, small business owners and communities whose products, services, traditions and natural environments contribute to the overall visitor experience. Ultimately, the ambition is to ensure that tourism becomes a shared national enterprise in which every Guyanese can participate and benefit.
The Minister also acknowledged the leadership of His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and expressed appreciation to the government agencies, the Guyana Tourism Authority, private sector partners, tourism operators, investors and communities whose collective contributions continue to shape and strengthen Destination Guyana.
Guyana’s growing international appeal is rooted in its extraordinary natural and cultural assets. From the vast expanses of its pristine rainforests and remarkable biodiversity to its spectacular waterfalls, unique wildlife, rich Indigenous heritage, vibrant cultural traditions and world-class adventure opportunities, the country offers an experience that is both distinctive and increasingly sought after by today’s conscious and experience-driven traveller.
As global travellers increasingly seek destinations that offer authenticity, meaningful connections with nature, cultural immersion and responsible travel experiences, Guyana is exceptionally positioned to meet these evolving demands. Its commitment to conservation, sustainable development and community-based tourism further reinforces its competitive advantage in an increasingly discerning global marketplace.
The Best Emerging Destination 2026 recognition therefore provides Guyana with an important platform to amplify its international visibility, strengthen its destination brand, attract new investments, deepen strategic tourism partnerships and generate greater interest among travellers and industry stakeholders.
It also adds momentum to the country’s ambitious target of welcoming more than one million visitors annually by 2030, while ensuring that growth is matched by quality, sustainability, inclusivity and a tourism product that delivers lasting value.
For Guyana, this award is both a celebration of how far the country has come and a compelling reminder of how much further it can go. The world is taking notice, and Destination Guyana is steadily transitioning from an emerging name on the international tourism map to a destination with a distinctive identity, a compelling story and an increasingly significant place in global tourism.
Guyana is not simply emerging as a tourism destination; it is establishing itself as one of the world’s most exciting destinations to discover.