Jamaica and Guyana Sign Tourism Agreement at SOTIC 2026

Jamaica and Guyana have formalised a new tourism partnership aimed at expanding investment opportunities, improving regional connectivity and strengthening cooperation between the two Caribbean nations.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026, held at Atlantic Suites by Hyatt in Guyana.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, and Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, signed the agreement, establishing a framework for greater collaboration across tourism and hospitality.

The partnership seeks to strengthen economic ties between the countries while supporting sustainable tourism development and creating opportunities for businesses, tourism professionals and local communities.

Jamaica and Guyana Target Tourism Investment and Air Connectivity

The agreement identifies several areas in which both countries intend to work more closely, including tourism investment, aviation connectivity, workforce development and destination resilience.

A key component is the promotion of multi-destination tourism, which could encourage travellers to explore Jamaica and Guyana as part of a broader Caribbean itinerary.

The MOU also provides opportunities for tourism stakeholders to exchange technical knowledge, industry expertise and successful approaches to destination development.

Through these initiatives, both governments aim to strengthen the competitiveness of their tourism industries while supporting greater regional integration.

Jamaica Sees Opportunities in Guyana’s Tourism Growth

Minister Bartlett highlighted Guyana’s natural attractions and developing tourism sector as important opportunities for collaboration.

With its extensive rainforests, biodiversity and cultural heritage, Guyana offers tourism experiences that complement Jamaica’s established international tourism industry.

Bartlett said the partnership could help broaden the Caribbean’s tourism offerings while creating greater economic benefits for residents.

“Guyana is adding much more to the Caribbean tourism experience, with its forests, hidden valleys and rich natural heritage. 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,” Minister Bartlett stated.

He also emphasised that tourism development should be measured by more than international visitor arrivals.

According to Bartlett, expanding opportunities for local businesses, strengthening workforce capabilities and retaining a greater share of tourism revenue within Caribbean economies are important considerations for the industry’s future.

Guyana Welcomes Greater Regional Collaboration

Minister Rodrigues welcomed the agreement, pointing to the potential benefits of stronger relationships between tourism organisations, businesses and industry professionals in both countries.

“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,” Minister Rodrigues said.

The collaboration will allow Guyana and Jamaica to draw on their respective strengths, particularly in tourism development, destination management and sustainable practices.

Jamaica’s experience in international tourism marketing, workforce training and resilience planning could provide opportunities for knowledge-sharing as Guyana continues to develop its tourism industry.

At the same time, Guyana’s nature-based tourism offerings present opportunities for collaboration on new regional travel experiences.

SOTIC 2026 Provides Platform for Regional Tourism Partnerships

The signing took place in the presence of senior tourism officials from both countries and the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Among those witnessing the agreement were Jennifer Griffith, Permanent Secretary in Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism; Kamrul Baksh, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority; and Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer.

The agreement reflects wider discussions surrounding regional cooperation and the importance of developing a more connected Caribbean tourism industry.

By encouraging partnerships between destinations, the initiative aims to support investment, professional development and tourism products that draw on the region’s diverse cultural and natural attractions.

Strengthening the Future of Caribbean Tourism

The Jamaica-Guyana partnership comes as Caribbean destinations continue to explore opportunities to improve connectivity, diversify their tourism offerings and strengthen their ability to respond to industry challenges.

The MOU establishes a foundation for cooperation, although specific projects, implementation timelines and investment commitments have not yet been detailed.

For both countries, the agreement represents an opportunity to build stronger tourism relationships while exploring initiatives that could benefit the wider Caribbean.

As the partnership develops, its impact will depend on how the proposed areas of cooperation translate into practical programmes, business opportunities and sustainable tourism initiatives.