By 
Strategic Partnership for Caribbean Tourism
Tourism Ministers Susan Rodrigues of Guyana and Edmund Bartlett of Jamaica signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MOU) on October 9, 2017, during a regional conference at the Atlantic Suites by Hyatt in Georgetown. The agreement establishes a formal framework for collaboration in hospitality, workforce development, and strategic investment.
The partnership focuses on institutional alignment, allowing tourism authorities and private sector stakeholders to exchange knowledge and coordinate on sustainability. While the agreement creates the necessary legal and diplomatic architecture for cooperation, specific funding allocations and project deadlines have not yet been disclosed.
Diverging Market Trends and Recovery Needs
The alliance brings together two nations facing vastly different economic pressures in their travel sectors. Guyana is currently experiencing a period of rapid expansion, while Jamaica is focused on stabilizing its industry following environmental setbacks.
Guyana's growth is evident in its recent visitor data. The country recorded 453,489 arrivals in 2025, marking a 22% increase over 2024. This momentum continued into 2026, with 360,623 visitors arriving between January and September.
Conversely, Jamaica is managing a recovery phase. Through August 31, 2026, Jamaica recorded 2.34 million visitors and US$2.5 billion in earnings. However, these figures represent a 17% drop in arrivals and an 18% decline in earnings compared to the previous year, largely due to the impact of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.
Strengthening Infrastructure and Human Capital
The agreement follows high-level diplomatic talks, including a visit by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness to Guyana on June 25–26, 2026. Those discussions laid the groundwork for cooperation in ecotourism and private-sector training.
Guyana is leveraging this partnership to professionalize its rapidly growing service sector. Since 2020, the nation has added 12 airlines and nine international hotel brands to its portfolio. In 2026 alone, Guyana hosted over 18 major business events and conferences, increasing the demand for high-standard operational skills.
Jamaica is simultaneously working to restore its room inventory. Projections indicate that over 11,000 hotel rooms are expected to return to the market between late 2026 and the first quarter of 2027.
Impact on Local Economies and Supply Chains
Beyond luxury hotels, the agreement aims to integrate local producers into the visitor economy. Minister Rodrigues has specifically highlighted the role of:
- Small-scale farmers and fishermen
- Local artisans and guides
- Transport drivers and small enterprises
By focusing on the wider supply chain, the partnership intends to ensure that tourism investment generates measurable benefits for grassroots workers rather than remaining confined to large-scale construction projects.
Tourism Performance Data
| Official Indicator | Reporting Period | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Guyana Visitor Arrivals | January–September 2026 | 360,623 |
| Guyana Annual Visitor Arrivals | Full Year 2025 | 453,489 (↑ 22%) |
| Jamaica Visitor Arrivals | Through August 31, 2026 | 2.34 Million (↓ 17%) |
| Jamaica Tourism Earnings | Through August 31, 2026 | US$2.5 Billion (↓ 18%) |
Key Takeaways
- Institutional Framework: The MOU creates a platform for knowledge exchange in connectivity, education, and resilience.
- Growth vs. Recovery: Guyana is scaling up its infrastructure, while Jamaica is recovering from the impact of Hurricane Melissa.
- Infrastructure Gains: Guyana has expanded its reach with 12 new airlines and 9 international hotel brands since 2020.
- Capacity Restoration: Jamaica expects to bring 11,000+ hotel rooms back online by early 2027.
- Economic Scope: The deal emphasizes the inclusion of local artisans, farmers, and small businesses in the tourism value chain.
FAQ
Does this agreement mean new flights between Guyana and Jamaica? While "connectivity" is a core pillar of the cooperation agreement, no specific new flight routes, schedules, or airline operators have been announced.
Are there combined holiday packages available for both destinations? There are currently no jointly launched travel packages. Travelers should continue to book flights and accommodations for each destination separately.
How does this affect travel requirements? The agreement is a government-to-government partnership and does not change passport, visa, or transit requirements. Travelers should verify current immigration rules for both countries.
