Guyana is looking to leverage the upcoming State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026 to attract investment, build regional partnerships and create new opportunities for local tourism businesses.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s flagship conference will be held in Guyana from October 5 to 9, marking the first time the country will host the event.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues said the conference presents an opportunity to expose local stakeholders to regional and international industry leaders while positioning Guyana as a competitive tourism destination.
“One of the important outcomes of this conference will be knowledge sharing and best practices that will emerge from the dialogue that will take place over the five days of the conference, but also the investments that we will see, from partnerships and collaboration among business leaders that will be coming [to] Guyana for the conference.”
Rodrigues said the benefits are expected to extend beyond the five-day event, with government planning to follow up on discussions and potential investment opportunities generated during the conference.
“Locally, I believe that some of the benefits of SOTIC will be seen long after the conference is completed, and we will ensure that we follow up on the conversation that this conference will start among our tourism industry leaders for the adoption of the knowledge and best practices that will emerge from the discussions, as well as the investments, possible investment opportunities that will be created during this time.”
The conference programme includes an Investing in Guyana Luncheon, B2B engagement and networking opportunities, alongside discussions on tourism intelligence, technology and innovation, sustainable tourism, Indigenous tourism, the creative economy and cruise tourism.
Rodrigues said local businesses will also have an opportunity to connect with counterparts from across the Caribbean.
“I think also it gives us an opportunity to network and to introduce local business leaders and tourism stakeholders to their counterparts around the Caribbean that have been doing this for decades.”
She added that the conference could generate direct economic activity for businesses serving visitors.
“The conference itself creates a lot of business opportunity here for our accommodation providers, our taxi drivers, our restaurant owners, our tour guides and our hospitality services, all of whom will benefit from the attendance of the hundreds of delegates that will be attending.”
Rodrigues also pointed to opportunities for young Guyanese, with a dedicated youth leadership session expected to facilitate engagement with young tourism leaders from across the region.
Beyond business opportunities, Guyana will use SOTIC to showcase its nature-based tourism product, with emphasis on Indigenous, cultural and community-led tourism.
“Guyana is unique in our tourism offering. And this conference gives us an opportunity to spotlight the type of tourism we have here in Guyana, which is nature based and where the emphasis is on indigenous, cultural and community led and owned tourism.”
SOTIC 2026 will be held under the theme “Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive.” President Irfaan Ali is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the official opening on October 7.
Rodrigues said the conference also comes as Guyana works to develop its National Tourism Policy and Strategic Action Plan, which is targeted for completion before the end of 2026 and is expected to guide investment and the direction of the sector over the next five to 10 years.
Local businesses and tourism stakeholders have been invited to participate, with registration set at US$150 for the full conference week and US$50 for a day pass.
