Tuesday 24/06/2025 - 🏨Tourism Standards Urged

⏱️ 5 - 6 minute read

Hi, reader

Guyana’s business landscape is shifting fast—from booming tourism and billion-dollar schools to trade infrastructure and disaster logistics. Here are the top stories and hidden opportunities from today’s headlines

Here’s what you can expect:

Today's Proverb: 

"The most successful people are those who are good at plan B."
– James Yorke, Mathematician & Chaos Theorist

*AI generated artistic representation of the article

Guyana to Host Entire Women’s CPL 2025

All matches of the 2025 Women’s Caribbean Premier League will be held at Providence Stadium from September 6–17. The move signals growing confidence in Guyana’s capacity to host international sporting events. Players like Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin will participate, with the Guyana Amazon Warriors aiming to win their first women’s title.
Key Takeaway: Opportunities exist for event-based vendors, merchandise production, hospitality packages, and transport operators to service the tournament.

*AI generated artistic representation of the article

Tourism Sector Ramps Up Standards After Tragic Hotel Incident

At THAG’s Annual Awards, the tourism sector acknowledged growing pains and recommitted to stronger hospitality standards following the tragic death of Adriana Younge at a local hotel. The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and stakeholders will work to regulate unlicensed properties, while private-public coordination improves safety and training. The event also showcased the sector’s growth: over 600 hotel rooms and 65 new experiences added since 2020, with a goal of 500,000 visitors per year by 2028.
Key Takeaway: Entrepreneurs in tourism services, digital booking, guesthouse upgrades, or training could benefit from new regulation and demand growth.

*AI generated artistic representation of the article

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises

1. Certified Tour Operator for Eco and Cultural Experiences

With tourism arrivals projected to hit 420,000 in 2025 and Guyana adding 65+ new experiences, there's space for certified micro-operators to design niche tours (eco-lodges, culinary, indigenous experiences).
Notes: Capitalize on GSTC certification and target diaspora visitors. Startup costs are relatively low; collaboration with GTA and THAG can offer marketing support.

2. Event Concessions at CPL & Guyana Cup Venues

With the Women’s CPL 2025 hosted entirely in Guyana and the Guyana Cup drawing international horse racing fans, there's room for small food, beverage, and souvenir vendors inside or near stadiums.
Notes: These high-traffic events allow for concentrated revenue over short bursts. Licensing and early booth bookings are key.

3. Local Farm Supplier for Marriott Airport Hotel Kitchen

The new Courtyard by Marriott near CJIA is prioritizing local supply chains for its F&B operations. Small agro-producers or cooperatives can position themselves as reliable produce or meat suppliers.
Notes: A great foot-in-the-door for long-term B2B hospitality contracts. Highlight food safety and delivery consistency to secure deals.

Medium Enterprises

1. Logistics & Emergency Response Services

The public-private disaster resilience summit revealed a critical gap in logistics and emergency planning. Firms offering inventory tracking, warehouse leasing, or rapid deployment services will be needed.
Notes: Target partnerships with CDC, Tropical Shipping, and private importers/exporters. Tech-enabled offerings will give a competitive edge.

2. Construction & Fit-Out Contractor for New Schools and Hotels

With 22 schools and multiple hotels under development—including the US$20M Marriott airport hotel—medium-sized construction firms with local teams can win contracts for builds, interiors, and maintenance.
Notes: Register with Go-Invest, monitor tenders from World Bank–funded and government projects, and be ready to scale with subcontractors.

3. Export Brokerage or Trade Advisory Using World Trade Centre Georgetown

The newly launched WTC Georgetown is designed to facilitate export growth. Mid-size firms can serve as export compliance advisors, broker deals with foreign buyers, or manage documentation.
Notes: Position as a B2B service provider for local SMEs aiming to go international. Offer bundled services (e.g., market access + legal compliance + packaging).

Large Enterprises

1. Luxury Tourism & Hotel Investment in Region 2 and Hinterland Areas

With tourism up 329% since 2020 and a major training institute opening in 2026, there’s room for high-end lodges, resort expansions, and destination infrastructure outside of Georgetown.
Notes: Government incentives are available. CSR positioning, eco-certification, and diaspora investment are key elements for de-risking.

2. Strategic Communications & Risk Advisory Firm Focused on Political Transitions

Given the political reshuffling (e.g., PNCR resignations, AFC fallout, Rickford Burke extradition), foreign investors and local conglomerates need support navigating reputational and legal risk.
Notes: A multidisciplinary firm (legal + PR + political strategy) can serve both government and private clients through the 2025 election cycle.

3. Public-Private Smart Infrastructure for Ports & Transport

The disaster resilience summit and trade growth signal the need for improved port, transport, and warehouse infrastructure. Large firms can propose BOT or PPP models for upgrades.
Notes: Work with Go-Invest, propose resilience-integrated logistics hubs, and align with both CDEMA and local government planning.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Tourism Experience Coordinator (Part-Time Packages for Diaspora & Visitors)

Create curated day or weekend experiences (e.g., river tours, historic site visits, food trails) for the growing number of tourists and diaspora visitors, especially with Guyana expecting 420,000 arrivals in 2025.

Why it works:

  • Low startup cost (just a phone, contacts, and social media)

  • Partnerships with drivers, guides, or guest houses

  • Can run on weekends or holidays while maintaining a full-time job

2. Home-Based Packaged Snack Production for Events

With local sporting events like Women’s CPL and Guyana Cup growing in prominence, demand for pre-packaged snacks (pepper nuts, plantain chips, cassava balls) is rising. These can be sold at events, via vendors, or through small retail placements.

Why it works:

  • Operates in evenings/weekends

  • Low equipment cost; scalable with demand

  • Appeals to local tastes and easy to sell via WhatsApp or small stands

3. Freelance Procurement Agent for Small Farmers or Local Suppliers

As projects like the Marriott Airport Hotel commit to local sourcing, part-time agents can help small producers get their products into hospitality supply chains by handling quotations, delivery scheduling, and communications.

Why it works:

  • Requires people skills and organization, not capital

  • Works well alongside a regular job

  • Can charge a service fee or percentage per successful transaction

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