Region Six set to become key tourism hub linking Suriname and Guyana

Region Six is set to become a major tourism hub as authorities advance plans for multi-destination travel packages linking Suriname and Guyana, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues said on Friday.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Berbice Exposition and Trade Fair, held under the theme “Harnessing New Wealth; Modernising Traditional Sectors for Sustainable Economic Development,” Rodrigues said the region’s proximity to Suriname and expanding infrastructure make it ideal for cross-border tourism development.

“Region Six is poised to become one of the major emerging tourism sectors, not only because of your proximity to Suriname — where we have been in discussions with the Surinamese government and the Suriname Hospitality and Tourism Association to craft a multi-destination tourism package between Suriname and Guyana — but also because your government has been making strategic investments to diversify our economy and decentralise business activities across the regions,” she said.

The government has invested heavily in infrastructure, including new road works and visitor facilities in Palmyra and surrounding areas, positioning the region as a tourism gateway.

Tour operators in both countries have begun offering packages that combine visits to Georgetown and Paramaribo with nature excursions, cultural heritage tours and cross-border experiences.

In August, Guyana and Suriname signed a memorandum of understanding to boost bilateral tourism and formalise cooperation under the “Three Guianas” initiative, aimed at creating seamless travel experiences across Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.

Rodrigues said the initiative is expected to create jobs and expand business opportunities for communities in Region Six, adding that continued investment and improved cross-border logistics will cement the region’s role as a key player in Guyana’s sustainable tourism growth.