TOTALTEC launches SOMA Hotel and Restaurant, creating jobs and strengthening Guyana’s hospitality sector

TOTALTEC has officially opened its new SOMA Hotel and Restaurant in Houston, Greater Georgetown, marking a major development in Guyana’s expanding hospitality industry.

The project is expected to generate between 60 and 100 direct and indirect jobs, creating employment opportunities in hotel operations, food and beverage services, and facility maintenance.

SOMA is a venture by the Guyanese-owned oil, gas, and logistics firm TOTALTEC, which continues to diversify its operations beyond the energy sector. Speaking at the opening, TOTALTEC Chief Executive Officer Lars Mangal said the project was envisioned as more than just another hospitality establishment.

“When we first imagined SOMA, we wanted to create more than a hotel or restaurant. We wanted to create a place of purpose,” Mangal said.

The project also supports a network of local suppliers and service providers, aligning with national workforce development priorities and local content goals. As the venture grows, TOTALTEC plans to expand SOMA across other key regions in Guyana, aiming to provide affordable, high-quality accommodation and dining experiences for business travelers, professionals, and industrial clients.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali welcomed the investment, highlighting its potential to strengthen Guyana’s economy.

“Private-led ventures like SOMA bode well for the country,” Dr. Ali said, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to transforming Guyana into a diversified economy with tourism and hospitality as key growth sectors.

With SOMA now operational, TOTALTEC positions itself at the forefront of Guyana’s evolving hospitality landscape, combining local employment growth with international-standard services.