Guyana wins PATWA ‘Destination of the Year’ International Award

Destination Guyana has been awarded the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) International Award for 2025 as Destination of the Year – Natural Attractions at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) in Berlin.

The award was won at the 25th and 2025 editions of the PATWA World Tourism and Aviation Leaders’ Summit and the PATWA International Travel Awards on Wednesday.

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) made the announcement via a press release on Thursday, noting that Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, was also awarded 2025 Tourism Minister of the Year – Ecological Tourism.

Speaking on the wins, Minister Walrond noted that receiving the awards is certainly a proud moment.

She highlighted that with breathtaking attractions like Kaieteur, interior savannahs, untouched rainforests, and rare wildlife, Guyana is fortunate to have such natural beauty to share with the rest of the world.

“What sets us apart is our commitment to protecting our natural attractions. Through conservation and community-driven efforts, we ensure that every visit helps preserve our environment and supports local communities. We are proud to share our country with the world and look forward to continuing to lead the way in responsible tourism,” Minister Walrond said.

PATWA is a non-profit, non-governmental, professional, international media organisation founded in 1999.

It supports the sustainable development and growth of destinations, travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation (airlines and airports), transportation (cruise liners and rail), online travel platforms, travel technology, and allied service providers worldwide.

PATWA is also an affiliate member of United Nations (UN) Tourism.

The release stated that for many years, tourism was the second-largest export sector for Guyana before the discovery of oil and gas reserves.

It noted that Guyana’s nascent oil and gas industry has propelled the country’s economic growth and development, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in recent years.

“Critically, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is mandated to ensure that the economy is aptly diversified with investments in all sectors, especially tourism, to ensure sustainable growth by preventing dependence on oil and gas. The ministry’s core responsibility is to nurture a business-friendly environment through the creation of policies, development and amendment of legislation, and implementation of other programs and initiatives,” the release said.

The GTA is responsible for developing and promoting sustainable tourism in Guyana through collaboration with sister agencies and the tourism private sector, in order to maximise local socio-economic and conservation outcomes, as well as improve travellers’ experiences.

It is focused on Guyana becoming recognised locally and internationally as a premier destination for protecting its natural and cultural heritage, providing authentic experiences, and maximising local socio-economic benefits.