AC Marriott Hotel opens at Ogle

The AC Marriott Hotel at Ogle officially opened on Saturday, marking a major milestone for Guyana’s hospitality sector and highlighting growing investor confidence in the country’s tourism and economic development.

According to President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the hotel’s launch reflects the government’s commitment to modernising infrastructure, supporting private investment, and positioning Guyana as a competitive destination for international travellers. He praised investors for moving quickly to the second phase of the project. “Normally, when someone launches the first phase of a project, they wait to see if returns will come before launching the second phase. But this demonstrates confidence in our economy,” he said.
Ali cited strong growth in air travel and connectivity at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport over the past four years. “Arriving traffic increased by close to 450 per cent, aircraft movement by over 440 per cent, and traffic across all ports of entry surpassed 1.2 million in 2025,” he said. “International carriers servicing our market grew by 220 per cent, and destinations served increased by 184 per cent. Those numbers speak for themselves.”
He aldo emphasised that economic growth depends on security and stability. “The success of our businesses and our economic expansion depends heavily on how secure a region we have,” he said, noting that the country now records its lowest crime levels in more than a decade.
The president assured hotel developers and tourism stakeholders of the government’s continued support. “You are with a government that will sit with all the hotels, resorts and tourism outlets to develop a joint strategy, not only in marketing, but in targeting,” he said. Tourism remains a core pillar of national development. “We can have the best changing skylines and road networks, but we also have to have the best citizens. We all have to be the best we can be,” he added.
Chief Executive Officer John Aboud, speaking for the investor group, said the current phase of the project will provide permanent employment for around 250 people, with 98 per cent of the workforce being Guyanese. He said construction of the next phase will begin shortly and is expected to be completed within two years, including an 80,000-square-foot lifestyle centre, a 180,000-square-foot A-class office and professional park, and 24 luxury residential units. When complete, the overall investment is projected to reach about US$200 million. “This investment will stand as a testament to the serenity of the rhythm of the water, and the relationship between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago,” Aboud said.

In his closing remarks, Ali said the hotel sends a strong signal beyond Guyana’s borders. “It says Guyana is open, Guyana is confident, and Guyana is serious about quality. We are not waiting to be discovered. We are preparing to be chosen,” he said. “All the Government of Guyana wants is for you to be successful, to continue to grow and to realise the ambition of your investment,” he added. (DPI)