GTA Licenses 50 Tourism Operators in Push for Sustainable Tourism

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has licensed 50 tourism operators and guides following inspections across nine regions. This move aligns with efforts to professionalize and grow the sector. GTA also launched training in tour guiding, financial management, and first aid, while advancing product development projects in several indigenous and hinterland communities. The initiatives aim to boost Guyana's eco and community-based tourism offerings, tapping into growing global demand for sustainable travel.

Guyanese Forex Market Facing Pressure from Trinidadian Demand

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo highlighted an unusual trend fueling Guyana’s foreign currency demand—locals and cambios allegedly selling foreign currency to Trinidadians. This practice, spurred by currency shortages in Trinidad, is believed to be driving up domestic forex demand, which has surged from US$2 billion in 2020 to US$9 billion in 2025. Authorities suspect some companies are also inflating invoices to facilitate cross-border forex transfers. The Bank of Guyana continues to intervene, with US$100 million recently injected to stabilize the market.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprise Opportunities

1. Compliance & Documentation Services for Tax and Customs

Given the escalation of tax evasion enforcement (e.g., Azruddin Mohamed case), small firms can offer services specializing in customs documentation, vehicle valuation accuracy, and re-migrant scheme compliance.
Note: This niche is underserved among small traders and vehicle importers who may lack capacity to navigate complex processes.

2. Community-Based Eco & Cultural Tourism Operators

The GTA's licensing of tourism businesses and the President's biodiversity vision for Silica City signal opportunities for small tour operators, community lodges, and cultural tourism guides focusing on indigenous experiences, biodiversity walks, and agro-tourism in hinterland areas.
Note: First movers can collaborate with GTA for certification and benefit from emerging demand.

3. Mental Health and Wellness Microservices

The expansion of mental health resources (hotlines, websites, children’s videos) creates space for small businesses to offer community wellness programs, school workshops, or digital mental health coaching services targeting underserved rural areas.
Note: Partnerships with NGOs and use of the new national platforms (mentalhealth.gov.gy) can accelerate market access.

Medium Enterprise Opportunities

1. STOL Aircraft Charter & Logistics Services

With the GDF adding STOL aircraft for remote regions, medium enterprises can explore private STOL charter services or logistics support to connect hinterland communities, mining operations, or eco-tourism ventures where infrastructure is limited.
Note: Opportunity for public-private partnerships, especially in health, emergency, or supply chain logistics.

2. Sustainable Urban Landscaping & Forestry Services

The President’s commitment to a biodiversity-rich Silica City presents opportunities for mid-sized landscaping firms to pivot into urban forestry services, supplying trees, maintaining green spaces, and offering eco-construction solutions.
Note: Early positioning in the Silica City procurement ecosystem could secure long-term contracts.

3. Professional Services for Debt, Compliance, and Audit Consultancy

Given the tax enforcement climate and increased scrutiny on fuel, logistics, and oil sector operators (Sol Guyana case), mid-sized firms can offer tailored tax risk assessment, customs brokerage, and audit services to medium-to-large local firms.
Note: Demand will increase among companies wary of GRA actions and needing proactive legal and tax compliance strategies.

Large Enterprise Opportunities

1. Investment in Defense & Security Technology Partnerships

With the GDF investing heavily in modernizing its air and naval assets, there is an opening for large technology, aviation, and defense firms to offer integrated surveillance, drone technology, or logistics support services tailored to Guyana’s terrain and oil field protection needs.
Note: Multi-year procurement programs are underway, and early partnerships with GDF can create lasting strategic footholds.

2. Development of High-End Sustainable Real Estate in Silica City

Silica City’s vision as a forest-integrated smart city creates scope for large real estate developers and financiers to invest in mixed-use, luxury, and smart residential projects that integrate sustainability, biodiversity, and smart tech.
Note: Early projects will benefit from government incentives and can attract Diaspora investors.

3. Regional Training & Security Infrastructure Development

With the push for a Caribbean-wide witness protection program and criminal justice reform, large enterprises in construction, security technology, and facility management can bid to build or operate secure training centers, justice complexes, and surveillance infrastructure across the region.
Note: Regional demand will grow for state-of-the-art, cross-border capable security and justice facilities.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Mobile Compliance & Documentation Assistant (On-Demand Service)

Capitalize on the crackdown on tax evasion and customs breaches by offering an affordable, mobile documentation service for vehicle owners, small traders, or re-migrants. This includes helping them prepare correct paperwork, valuations, and guiding them through GRA procedures.
Why high-value: Minimal startup cost using your existing smartphone/laptop, and you can charge premium fees for hassle-free assistance as fear of penalties grows.
Execution tip: Operate by appointment, evenings/weekends, targeting busy professionals, importers, and taxi operators.

2. Home-Based Mental Health & Wellness Events Facilitator

With the surge in awareness around mental health (hotlines, children's videos), offer low-cost neighborhood wellness sessions—yoga, meditation, mental health talks, or guided group journaling.
Why high-value: You can start in your own yard, church, or community center, charging small group fees and partnering with NGOs for sponsorship.
Execution tip: Focus on working adults, mothers, or youth in urban and rural areas. Position as safe, private, and culturally sensitive.

3. Weekend Eco & Heritage Micro-Tours Organizer

Using the GTA's push for tourism licensing and community tourism, set up small, weekend-only local tours focused on unexplored spots, birding, cultural sites, or nature walks within an hour of Georgetown.
Why high-value: Low upfront investment using your car or rented minibus, with growing demand from the oil workforce, locals, and returning Diaspora looking for unique experiences.
Execution tip: Partner with licensed guides, keep tours short (half-day), and offer curated storytelling that makes the experience feel premium.