AI, digital push to reshape Guyana’s tourism industry – tourism officials

Guyana’s tourism sector must embrace digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) while ensuring that people, communities and the country’s cultural and natural heritage remain at the centre of the industry, Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues said in her message for World Tourism Day 2026. World Tourism Day will be observed today, themed “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”

Rodrigues said the rapid development of AI and other emerging technologies is already changing the way travellers search for destinations, plan trips, make bookings and share their experiences. For destinations, she said, these technologies can improve understanding of visitors, enhance services, manage resources and make tourism more efficient, inclusive and sustainable. “For Guyana, this presents a significant opportunity to strengthen the growth and competitiveness of our tourism sector,” Rodrigues said. She said as Guyana continues to position itself as a tourism destination, technology must form part of efforts to modernise the sector.

According to the Minister, digital tools can make it easier for visitors to discover attractions and tourism products, while AI-powered solutions can support businesses and improve the visitor experience. However, Rodrigues stressed that technological advancement must not come at the expense of the human element of tourism. “AI should enhance the creativity, knowledge and warmth of our tourism workers, entrepreneurs and communities, rather than diminish the human connection that remains central to the tourism experience,” she said. She also highlighted the need to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation extend to young innovators, small businesses and communities across Guyana. Rodrigues said Government has a responsibility to prepare people and businesses to participate in the changing tourism landscape by developing digital skills, encouraging businesses to embrace innovation and strengthening the environment for responsible use of technology. She also pointed to the need for small and medium-sized tourism enterprises, community-based tourism operators and entrepreneurs to have access to the tools, knowledge and support required to benefit from digital developments.