Budget 2026 seen as strong boost for tourism sector

Dear Editor,

The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) warmly welcomes the presentation of Budget 2026 and commends the Government of Guyana for delivering a bold and forward-looking development agenda that firmly positions tourism as a key pillar of national growth, diversification, and community empowerment.

While tourism is not always named directly in every budget line, Budget 2026 clearly demonstrates that the sector is being actively supported across multiple ministries through infrastructure investment, fiscal reform, skills development, cultural promotion, and improved national connectivity. Together, these measures create a strong enabling environment for sustainable tourism expansion.

THAG particularly applauds the following policy and fiscal measures that will have immediate and tangible benefits for tourism operators:

• The removal of all duties and taxes on All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), strengthening the adventure tourism sector.
• The removal of all duties and taxes on outboard engines up to 150 horsepower, reducing operating costs for river transport, tour operators, and eco-lodges.
• The introduction of flat tax rates for double-cab pickup vehicles, making essential tourism transport more affordable.
• The reduction of the 14-day residency requirement for destination weddings, unlocking Guyana’s potential in this rapidly growing niche tourism market.
• The removal of corporate income tax on agriculture and agro-processing, reinforcing the agri-tourism value chain.
• The establishment of a Guyana Development Bank, offering 0% interest financing to small and medium-sized enterprises, including tourism businesses.
• The upgrading of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, strengthening Guyana’s capacity for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism and business travel.

The Association also strongly welcomes the Government’s strategic investment in culture, creativity, and sport as drivers of tourism. Allocations supporting the Orange Economy, including flagship projects such as the Palmyra Cultural Market and the National Art Gallery and Museum, along with funding for cultural and sporting infrastructure, significantly enhance Guyana’s cultural tourism and sports tourism offerings.

THAG further notes that urban development initiatives under the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, including the Georgetown Enhancement Programme and the Solid Waste Disposal Programme, will directly improve city aesthetics, cleanliness, destination image, and the overall visitor experience.

From an infrastructure standpoint, Budget 2026 delivers transformative support for tourism through major investments in connectivity:

• Expansion and rehabilitation of hinterland and coastal airstrips, improving access to interior and eco-tourism destinations.
• Continued construction of the new arrivals terminal at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), strengthening Guyana’s international gateway.
• Funding for navigational aids to improve the safety of domestic air and maritime travel.
• Major allocations for roads and bridges, including the Linden–Mabura Road and Kurupukari Bridge, the Mabura–Lethem Corridor, and the New Amsterdam–Moleson Creek Highway, reducing travel time and transport costs.
• Hinterland electrification and water supply projects, enhancing sustainability and business viability in remote tourism communities.

THAG also welcomes the allocation of G$2.2 billion to complete and equip the Hospitality and Tourism Institute, a landmark investment in tourism human capital. This complements the work of institutions such as the Carnegie School of Home Economics and strengthens service quality, professional standards, and workforce readiness across the sector.

The Association further notes with appreciation that Budget 2026 is financed without the introduction of new taxes, reinforcing a stable, predictable, and investor-friendly environment for tourism development.

In simple terms, Budget 2026 strengthens tourism by:

Area Impact on Tourism

• Roads & bridges Easier access to destinations
• Airports & airstrips Expansion of hinterland and eco-tourism
• Training institutions Higher service quality
• Culture & events Richer visitor experiences
• Conference facilities Growth of MICE tourism
• Community development Expansion of Indigenous and cultural tourism
• Energy & water Stronger operational sustainability
• Urban enhancement Improved destination image and visitor satisfaction

THAG believes Budget 2026 sends a powerful and unmistakable message: tourism is a crosscutting national priority. Even where projects are not explicitly labelled “tourism,” they collectively build the ecosystem that allows the sector to thrive.

The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana thanks the Government of Guyana for its continued commitment to building a resilient, diversified, and inclusive economy and looks forward to deepening collaboration to ensure tourism remains a central driver of national development and prosperity.