In a landmark move for sustainable tourism development, the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development has formalized a collaborative partnership with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding. This strategic alliance, announced on February 19, 2026, aims to accelerate tourism growth in Guyana’s North Rupununi area (Region 9) through comprehensive capacity building, market development, and sustainable product enhancement.
The agreement establishes a community tourism training institute at the Iwokrama River Lodge, creating an educational hub for developing professional expertise across various tourism disciplines. This initiative represents a significant advancement in Guyana’s community-based tourism infrastructure, combining conservation excellence with economic development.
Iwokrama CEO Dane Gobin emphasized the alignment between both organizations’ operational objectives, noting the Centre’s unique position as “the only internationally certified area for Recreational Services in the region.” This certification includes the prestigious Good Travel Seal, initially awarded in 2023 and successfully renewed in 2026 following demonstrated commitments to sustainability benchmarks.
GTA Director Kamrul Baksh characterized the partnership as a crucial step in strengthening Guyana’s global positioning as a premier nature-based tourism destination. “This reflects our shared commitment to sustainable tourism development that protects our natural heritage while creating meaningful opportunities for communities and visitors alike,” Baksh stated.
The collaboration builds upon Guyana’s remarkable tourism performance, which recorded 34,923 visitor arrivals in January 2026 alone—a 17.2% increase compared to January 2025, representing the highest January arrivals in the nation’s history. This growth trajectory underscores Guyana’s emerging status as a leading ecotourism destination.
Established in 1996 through a joint initiative of the Guyanese government and Commonwealth Secretariat, the Iwokrama International Centre manages 371,000 hectares of protected rainforest with a mandate to generate ecological, economic, and social benefits for both local communities and the international community. The GTA operates as a semi-autonomous governmental entity focused on developing sustainable tourism that maximizes socio-economic benefits while preserving Guyana’s natural and cultural heritage.