Ten tourism businesses in Guyana have received the ‘Good Travel Seal,’ a certification that demonstrates how locals are strengthening sustainable tourism.
The certification programme, being advanced by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) in partnership with Green Destinations and the Good Travel Alliance, has so far seen five tourism businesses certified in 2023 and another five in 2025. Director of the GTA, Kamrul Baksh on Tuesday, said sustainability is central to the development of Guyana’s tourism product. He was speaking at an event in observance of World Tourism Day 2026.
“Integrally and centrally to our tourism product is sustainable tourism… Five businesses would’ve completed this programme and these persons are deeply connected to the environment and very community centric,” Baksh said.
In 2023, five businesses got it and then in 2025, another five, following a rigorous process that included documentation and on-site assessments. He said the country’s approach is deliberate, with tourism development increasingly focused on experiences that are connected to the environment and communities rather than conventional mass tourism.
The certification effort has also expanded beyond the traditional lodge and resort sector. He said that hinterland and riverine communities have cultural and environmental knowledge that has helped distinguish Guyana’s tourism product. The aim of the country is to continue showcasing its unique products. Importantly, Baksh said the Government’s plans to advance plans in designating a large section of intact forest in Guyana as a protected area and boost longstanding conservation efforts, supports the country’s focus on sustainability and tourism.
“It’s a great sign that not only is this happening in our industry but at the national level. We are crafting the national tourism policy and fundamental to that also sustainable tourism,” Baksh said.
As Guyana prepares to host the State of the Industry Conference 2026, it highlights the regional confidence in Guyana, Baksh said. It is because of these recognitions that the certification is a massive advantage for the country.
Elisabeth Boon, the assurance manager at Green Destinations – Good Travel Alliance, said the organisation has worked with Guyana, beginning with a gap analysis before moving into a country baseline assessment. The establishment is an independent sustainability management and certification program designed specifically for tourism businesses, small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), and destinations. Boon said Guyana has a 60 per cent compliance as a sustainability destination.
“We work with a lot of different destinations around the world, we have mainly in Europe and some in South America, Guyana is really one of the leaders in this region that has started and has been working with us for many years,” Boon said.
She said the aim is to work along with businesses and focus on tourism policies and also on how visitors experience sustainability through hotels, tours and activities, and how those experiences can create positive impacts for the destinations they visit.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
