Guyana is set to take centre stage in the regional tourism industry on Monday, as the country hosts the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) for the first time.

The premier tourism conference of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, SOTIC 2026, will bring regional and international stakeholders together in Guyana, providing a platform to examine the future of tourism while showcasing the country as a competitive and sustainable destination.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues said Guyana’s hosting of the conference is a reflection of the progress being made in the sector and the country’s growing visibility on the regional and international tourism stage.

“Guyana hosting this conference speaks to the country’s credibility as a tourist destination and the increase in our regional and international profile,” she said.

The conference comes as Guyana continues to record significant growth in visitor arrivals, with more than 271,000 visitors recorded during the first seven months of 2026, according to the minister.

That growth is being supported by continued investment in accommodation, infrastructure, training and capacity building, as Guyana seeks to position tourism as a major pillar of its economic diversification agenda.

Minister Rodrigues said the objective extends beyond attracting more visitors, with the government seeking to ensure that tourism creates meaningful economic opportunities for communities across the country.

“For us, that is the whole point. The whole point is ensuring that tourism benefits livelihoods. It is not only about visitor arrivals,” she noted.

The minister says the impact of a growing tourism industry can extend across a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, transportation, hospitality, entertainment and the creative industries.

“The impact is way more than building hotels or expanding accommodation. The impact is felt on farmers, taxi drivers, restaurant owners, tour guides, artisans and entertainers,” she said.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali is expected to deliver the keynote address at the opening of SOTIC 2026, which will be held at Atlantic Suites by Hyatt from October 5th to 9th.

Against that backdrop, SOTIC provides Guyana with an opportunity not only to host important regional tourism discussions, but also to expose international and Caribbean stakeholders to the country’s tourism products, investment opportunities and community-based experiences.