President raps tourism sector for not utilising incentives

President Irfaan Ali says that the tourism sector is failing to make use of the significant incentives already available to support investment and expansion. Speaking at the closing ceremony of Tourism Awareness Month 2025, the President said the industry is currently accessing “not 10%” of the incentives put in place for its benefit.

“As I speak to you tonight, there is absolutely not one outstanding investment application at the Guyana Office of Investment,” he stated. Using the example of Baganara Resort, he added, “An investment of about 1.5 million U.S. dollars. 100% exemption. We fixed this when I was there. But industries still need to understand what is there.”

Ali stressed that many potential operators are not preparing business proposals, despite incentives and support mechanisms being readily accessible.