Guyana recorded a record 47,726 visitor arrivals in October 2026, a 12.8 per cent increase over the same month last year, as leisure, business and international events continued to drive travel to the country.
The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), in a November 5 statement, reported that leisure travellers accounted for 59 per cent of arrivals, while business visitors represented 17 per cent. The remaining 24 per cent travelled for other purposes.
The United States remained Guyana’s largest source market, accounting for 37.7 per cent of visitors, followed by the Caribbean at 33.9 per cent, Latin America at 9.3 per cent, Canada at 7.1 per cent and Europe at 5.5 per cent.
October’s performance coincided with several major regional and international events hosted in Guyana, including the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), the Bethune Round Table, the Caribbean Shipping Association’s 56th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exhibition, and the Global Biodiversity Alliance Conference and Financing Forum.
These gatherings attracted international participants and generated activity across the hospitality, transportation, restaurant and other tourism-related sectors.
500,000 arrivals target
Guyana recorded 408,349 visitor arrivals between January and October, putting the country within reach of its anticipated 500,000 target for 2026. A further 91,651 arrivals will be required over the final two months to achieve that goal.
The growth comes as Guyana seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas by expanding tourism, capitalising on its rainforests, waterfalls, wildlife, biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Among its principal attractions are Kaieteur Falls, the Rupununi savannahs and the country’s interior eco-tourism destinations.
However, sustaining tourism growth will depend on improvements in infrastructure, transportation, accommodation and services, as well as ensuring that increased visitor spending translates into employment and business opportunities for local communities.
While the latest figures signal continued expansion, the broader measure of success will be how effectively Guyana converts rising visitor numbers into sustainable economic benefits.
