The Government of Guyana is considering the establishment of a new international airport in Lethem, Region Nine, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s tourism and aviation sectors. This announcement comes alongside plans for a second terminal at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to manage a significant increase in visitor numbers.
Head of State, President Irfaan Ali, during a special sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday, emphasised that these initiatives aim to enhance Guyana’s tourism appeal and attract further investment.
“Our government is building a visionary economy, with pillars such as eco-tourism, sports and entertainment tourism, health tourism, and business tourism, creating a dynamic ecosystem that promotes environmental sustainability, cultural enrichment, and economic inclusivity,” President Ali said.
Lethem is being strategically positioned as a major commercial hub, with several new hotels under construction. Additionally, plans are underway for a food processing facility in the town to serve the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) market.
Upgrades at CJIA are also a key focus for the current administration, with improvements including an extended boarding corridor with two new boarding bridges and a longer runway designed to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 777. Plans are also in place to digitise customs and immigration processes through the introduction of biometric kiosks and electronic gates.
The President noted that these developments align with the significant growth of the tourism sector. In the first nine months of 2024, Guyana welcomed 801,000 visitors, with projections indicating that the country will surpass one million passengers by November.
Guyana’s aviation sector has also expanded, with six new airlines entering the market, including British Airways and United Airlines. Avianca has recently launched direct flights between Georgetown and Bogotá, Colombia, twice a week.
In a bid to further bolster the tourism industry, President Ali revealed that discussions are ongoing with luxury travel company Abercrombie and Kent to explore opportunities in Guyana.
Guyana has received numerous regional and international awards this year, including the prestigious Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) award for Destination of the Year in Ecological Tourism, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as a leading player in global tourism.
“These achievements highlight the need for increased infrastructure and human capacity building. We are committed to enhancing capacity through training, investment, mentoring, standardisation, and regulations,” President Ali concluded.
