Guyana is certifying tourism businesses as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its position as a sustainable and eco-tourism destination.

The initiative is expected to build on the work already undertaken by several community-based lodges, private operators and hotels that have pursued sustainability certification.

Speaking at the World Tourism Day 2026, held under the theme “Building a Sustainable Future for Guyana Tourism”, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Kamrul Baksh pointed to Guyana’s longstanding focus on nature, culture, community-based tourism and environmental sustainability.

He noted that these elements have helped distinguish the country’s tourism product.

Baksh added that the country is now at a stage where these efforts can be scaled up through formal certification and greater participation from tourism businesses.

“If we could have the entire ecosystem of all elements becoming certified, I think that will certainly strengthen Guyana’s overall status in this arena,” he said.

An Expression of Interest was recently issued to gauge the industry’s willingness to participate in the certification programme.

The director said the response has extended beyond lodges and resorts, with businesses from different regions expressing an interest in understanding the requirements for certification.

Several tourism operators have already pursued certification, including Surama Eco-Lodge, Rock View Lodge, Waikin Ranch and Saddle Mountain Ranch.

The Marriott Hotel has also participated, signalling growing interest among coastal operators as well as hinterland businesses.

Community-based tourism remains an important part of the country’s strategy, particularly in hinterland and riverine communities where tourism has traditionally been closely linked to the environment, culture and local livelihoods.

In addition, the sustainability drive is expected to complement Guyana’s wider Low Carbon Development Strategy and conservation agenda.

As a result, the government is finalising a national tourism policy, with sustainable tourism expected to be a fundamental component.

The policy is expected to examine ways of expanding sustainability through certification, training, international marketing and other initiatives.

“Sustainability is not an afterthought,” Baksh said, adding that it is being consciously considered at the governance level and translated into programmes across the sector.

Despite the progress, he acknowledged that more tourism stakeholders will have to be brought on board.

Workshops and sensitisation sessions are therefore expected to help operators better understand the certification process and how sustainable practices can be incorporated into their businesses.

This is being guided by three key considerations, quality, safety and sustainability, as Guyana seeks to provide visitors with experiences that can compete internationally while protecting the country’s natural and cultural assets.

“Other destinations are actually looking to diversify, especially within the Caribbean, looking to diversify their product, moving away from the mass and the typical product,” he said.

Guyana is expected to further highlight its approach to sustainable tourism during the upcoming State of the Tourism Industry Conference, where discussions will focus on the development and future of tourism across the Caribbean.