GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — Guyana and Jamaica have strengthened their commitment to regional tourism development with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in tourism and hospitality, expanding investment opportunities, improving air connectivity, and promoting sustainable tourism.
The agreement was signed by Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon. Susan Rodrigues, and Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026, held at Atlantic Suites by Hyatt in Guyana.
The signing ceremony was attended by Jamaica’s Tourism Ministry Permanent Secretary, Jennifer Griffith; Guyana Tourism Authority Director, Kamrul Baksh; and Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer, Dona Regis-Prosper.
Strengthening Regional Tourism Cooperation
The MOU establishes a framework for both countries to share expertise, strengthen relationships among tourism stakeholders, and encourage travel between Guyana and Jamaica. It also identifies opportunities for collaboration in tourism investment, air connectivity, education and training, sustainable tourism development, and resilience.
Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon. Susan Rodrigues, said the agreement would create opportunities for both countries to exchange knowledge, develop strategic partnerships, and deliver meaningful benefits to their citizens and the wider Caribbean.
“This partnership allows us to learn from each other’s experiences, build stronger connections between our tourism stakeholders and create opportunities that benefit our people and the wider Caribbean,” Rodrigues stated.
The agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening regional partnerships and positioning tourism as a driver of economic growth, employment, and community development.
Promoting Multi-Destination Travel and Local Benefits
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, highlighted Guyana’s emergence as a tourism destination, noting that its natural attractions and unique offerings could complement Jamaica’s established tourism product and create opportunities for multi-destination travel.
Closer collaboration between the two countries could encourage visitors to explore multiple Caribbean destinations, broaden the region’s tourism offerings, and generate additional economic opportunities for tourism-related businesses.
Bartlett also emphasised the importance of ensuring that tourism generates tangible benefits for local communities, extending beyond increases in visitor arrivals.
“We want to build the capacity of our people to respond to the demands of prosperity and ensure that we retain greater value from tourism for our people,” Bartlett said.
His remarks underscored the need for Caribbean destinations to strengthen local capacity, develop their workforce, and ensure that the economic benefits of tourism reach businesses, workers, and communities.
Advancing a More Resilient Caribbean Tourism Industry
The agreement comes as Guyana continues to expand its tourism sector and pursue international partnerships to support sustainable growth. Cooperation with Jamaica is expected to facilitate knowledge-sharing, strengthen institutional relationships, and create opportunities for collaboration across the tourism industry.
The signing at SOTIC 2026 also reinforces the importance of regional coordination in addressing shared tourism priorities, improving connectivity, building resilience, and expanding opportunities for Caribbean entrepreneurs and tourism professionals.
Through partnerships of this nature, Guyana and Jamaica aim to strengthen their respective tourism sectors while contributing to a more competitive, inclusive, and sustainable Caribbean tourism industry.
