GUYANA-Guyana to host USTOA sustainability summit in 2027.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Guyana will host an international sustainable tourism summit in March 2027, bringing representatives of major North American tour operators and tourism organizations to the country.

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce announced on Wednesday that Guyana had been selected to host the United States Tour Operators Association’s (USTOA) 2027 Sustainability is Responsibility (SIR) Summit from March 7 to 10.

Guyana secured the hosting opportunity through a competitive international bidding process, with its proposal recognized for its focus on environmental conservation, community participation and the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage, according to the announcement.

The summit brings together tour operators, travel companies and tourism organizations to discuss challenges and opportunities in sustainable tourism.

The program will begin in Georgetown before moving to Baganara Island Resort on the Essequibo River for educational sessions, discussions and activities focused on the relationship between tourism, the environment and local communities.

Delegates are also expected to visit Kaieteur Falls, one of Guyana’s best-known natural attractions. Optional programs before and after the summit are being developed to give participants opportunities to explore other parts of the country, including its interior regions and community-based tourism offerings.

Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues said hosting the summit would allow Guyana to showcase its natural environment, cultural diversity and tourism experiences to influential representatives of the North American travel market.

“Importantly, this is an opportunity to strengthen Guyana’s presence in the North American travel market and build direct relationships with the companies that can bring more visitors to our shores,” she said.

Rodrigues said the Government remained focused on ensuring tourism generated lasting economic benefits for Guyanese while protecting the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

GTA Director Kamrul Baksh described the selection as an important milestone for the country’s tourism industry, saying the summit would provide opportunities to build partnerships with international travel businesses.

The event is also expected to create opportunities for local tourism businesses, including accommodation providers, tour operators, transport companies, guides and community-based tourism enterprises.

Previous editions of the summit have been held in destinations including Norway, Singapore, Valencia in Spain and Anchorage, Alaska.

The 2027 summit will be organized through a partnership between USTOA and the GTA, with support from local tourism stakeholders and industry partners. Further details on the program are expected in the coming months.