The Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute (HTTI), currently under construction at Port Mourant, Berbice, is approximately 80 per cent complete and is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2026.

Providing a progress report of the project, Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues held a meeting with the Minister of Education Sonia Parag, alongside representatives of Niagara College, Canada, who are assisting with the development of the Institute’s hospitality and tourism curricula.

The tourism ministry who is overseeing the project indicated that that the works are moving apace steadily and should is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

While also informing on the curriculum development process, the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Niagara College, noting that it aims to ensure that the programmes offered at the Institute meet the current and emerging needs of Guyana’s tourism and hospitality sector and align with regional and international industry standards.

During the discussions, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce provided input on the sector’s priorities, including occupational demand, service standards, skills gaps and the competencies required of graduates entering the workforce.

These efforts form part of preparations to equip the Institute to deliver training that responds to the demands of Guyana’s growing tourism and hospitality industry.

Minister Rodrigues was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Roger Rogers, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority Kamrul Baksh and Director of Tourism Sunalie Raghubar.

Minister Parag was joined by Permanent Secretary Shannielle Hoosein-Outar, Chief Education Officer Sadam Hussein and Chief Planning Officer Mishka White-Griffith.

Niagara College was represented by Curriculum Development Expert Joyce Bott and Hospitality Expert Eric Mauke.

Once completed and operational, the HTTI will support the development of a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of Guyana’s tourism and hospitality sector.