Guyana’s Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, reaffirmed the government’s hotel incentive regime during a press conference on Wednesday. This follows Hilton’s announcement of its entry into the Guyanese market with the signing of the dual-brand Hilton Georgetown and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Georgetown.
Jagdeo discussed the government’s efforts to create an accommodating environment for investors, which has led to the construction of seven international hotels, expected to open by next year. These developments, he noted, are a direct result of the government’s policy initiated in 2020, which included a request for proposals to build hotels to address the significant room shortages in the country. The initiative received over 20 proposals, and the government responded by offering an incentive regime, including tax holidays and assistance in securing land.
“If you want to build a hotel now, anyone, and you, it’s an international hotel, you will get, the government will give you the incentive regime. It’s not preferential. It’s not for one person. It’s across the board. Every hotel will get the same regime, and we will work with you to find the land,” the Vice President said.
These comments come as Hilton announced the signing of its first hotels in Guyana, with the Hilton Georgetown and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Georgetown set to be part of an oceanfront, mixed-use business and entertainment complex in the Capital City. The project, owned by an affiliate of Assets Group and managed by Hilton, will add 411 rooms to the country’s hotel inventory.
The Hilton Georgetown will feature 253 guest rooms and suites, along with a variety of amenities, including a lobby bar, signature restaurant, and outdoor pool. The DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Georgetown will offer 158 contemporary suites, providing guests with a welcoming experience starting with the brand’s signature warm chocolate chip cookie upon check-in.
Moutaz Al Khayyat, Chairman of Assets Group, expressed confidence in Guyana’s growth potential. “We believe in investing in Guyana, a country poised for significant growth and a promising future in tourism and hospitality,” he said. Al Khayyat noted that the choice to debut in Guyana aligns with the company’s commitment to high-potential destinations.
Juan Corvinos, Hilton’s Senior Vice President for development, architecture, design, and construction in the Caribbean and Latin America, underscored Guyana’s importance as a regional business hub and an emerging tourism destination. “We are excited to join forces with Assets Group once again to celebrate this impressive project and significant milestone in Hilton’s continued rapid expansion,” he said.
Guests of Hilton Georgetown and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Georgetown will also enjoy access to a member-only Social Club managed by Hilton that will enhance the stay experience for guests and provide special options for local members. Guests of each hotel and Social Club members will enjoy exclusive wellness and recreation amenities including a pool, fitness center and spa; a coworking space, and a library and boardroom perfectly designed for business travelers. The Social Club will also boast unique food and beverage experiences with two full-service dining options, two bars and a coffee and bakery shop, open to guests, members, and locals alike.
The complex also features a state-of-the-art conference center with a 25,900 square foot ballroom and meeting rooms that extend across 10,800 square feet, making the hotels ideal for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events. The facility boasts intuitive technology and seamlessly integrated food and beverage offerings for events of every size and type.
This announcement is part of a broader trend in Guyana, where the government expects the hospitality sector to become one of the biggest growth poles, driven by the oil boom unfolding offshore. Jagdeo has previously credited the number of ongoing hotel projects to the government’s strategic approach to creating a business-friendly environment. With the new hotels, the government anticipates the creation of approximately 3,000 jobs.
