Guyana and Jamaica have signed a tourism cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, encouraging travel between the two countries and creating opportunities for investment and industry collaboration.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, and Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026 at Atlantic Suites by Hyatt.

The signing was witnessed by Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Jennifer Griffith, Guyana Tourism Authority Director Kamrul Baksh and Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper.

The agreement establishes a framework for both countries to share expertise, strengthen engagement among tourism stakeholders and promote travel between the destinations.

It also provides for cooperation in tourism investment, air connectivity, education and training, sustainable tourism development and resilience.

Rodrigues said the agreement would allow both countries to learn from each other and explore new opportunities for the tourism sector.

“This partnership allows us to learn from each other’s experiences, build stronger connections between our tourism stakeholders and create opportunities that benefit our people and the wider Caribbean,” she said.

Bartlett described Guyana as an emerging destination whose tourism offerings could add value to regional integration and multi-destination travel.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring that tourism generates greater benefits for local economies, rather than focusing solely on visitor arrivals.

“Guyana is adding much more to the Caribbean tourism experience, with its forests, hidden valleys and rich natural heritage. We want to build the capacity of our people to respond to the demands of prosperity and ensure that we retain greater value from tourism for our people,” Bartlett said.

The agreement comes as Guyana continues efforts to expand its tourism sector and strengthen international partnerships. Closer cooperation with Jamaica is expected to provide opportunities to exchange knowledge, develop industry partnerships and support a more resilient and inclusive regional tourism industry.

The signing at SOTIC 2026 highlights the role of regional cooperation in advancing shared tourism priorities and creating opportunities for Caribbean businesses, workers and communities.