The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) is calling for the decriminalization of same-sex intimacy, citing potential economic benefits for the country’s tourism sector. At a recent media event, THAG’s President, Omodelle George, emphasized that repealing sections 351 to 353 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8:01 could significantly boost Guyana’s attractiveness as a travel destination, particularly to the global LGBTQ+ market.
“Globally, the LGBTQ+ tourism market accounts for approximately 7% to 10% of the total travel industry,” George explained, referencing research by the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA). She added, “LGBTQ+ travellers tend to spend more per trip, visit more frequently, and participate in more activities,” underscoring the potential for economic growth if Guyana becomes a more inclusive destination.
The THAG President pointed to the findings of the 2024 Arrival LGBTQ+ Experiences Traveller Report, which showed that LGBTQ+ travellers spend 23% more per activity and engage in more activities than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. According to George, “By alienating this market segment, Guyana is not benefiting from a potentially high-spending, high-frequency demographic.”
George highlighted that the global LGBTQ+ tourism market contributes over US$200 billion annually to the travel industry, with the U.S. market alone accounting for US$65 billion. “Assuming Guyana could capture just 1% of the global LGBTQ+ travel market, this would translate to an estimated annual tourism revenue increase of US$2 billion,” she said. “If the country were to capture a modest 0.5% of the U.S. LGBTQ+ market alone, this would result in an additional $325 million in annual revenue for the tourism sector.”
Notably, Guyana remains one of the few countries in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the only South American nation with laws that criminalize same-sex intimacy. On this premise, George stressed, “We are losing potential visitors and precious tourism revenue so long as our laws criminalizing LGBT people remain on the statute books. Guyana can no longer afford to fall behind.”
Delivering the keynote address at the event, Akesh Gangaram, Human Resources Manager at the Guyana Marriott, echoed George’s sentiments on the economic benefits of inclusivity. “Research also shows that younger tourists, including Generation Y and Millennial travellers, prefer destinations that align with their values over traditional postcard destinations,” he said, noting that this demographic already accounts for 40% of the global tourism market.
Gangaram also pointed out that multinational companies investing in Guyana are concerned about the safety of their LGBTQ+ employees. “To truly thrive, everyone in Guyana, including our LGBTQ+ colleagues, must ideally be free to live and work without fear or discrimination,” he said, describing the country’s discriminatory laws as making it “less attractive” as a destination. “Worldwide, the trend is clear: successful companies and competitive economies operate on principles of inclusion—not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s good for business.”
Amarylis Lewis, Senior Trip Planner at Wilderness Explorers, shared her perspective, describing the laws as a “glaring problem” for some LGBTQ+ travellers. “We have heard it from potential customers directly. Why would not only LGBTQ+ people—but other allies who have LGBTQ+ friends and family—want to travel to a country with laws on the books that criminalize who someone loves?” she queried. Lewis noted that while LGBTQ+ travellers have had positive experiences in Guyana, it is time for the country to demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity. “It’s time for Guyana to finally send a signal to the rest of the world that we are the inclusive and hospitable place that we know ourselves to be.”
The media event, held in observance of World Tourism Day, also featured a roundtable discussion on the potential economic benefits of decriminalizing same-sex intimacy and the impact of Guyana’s current laws on LGBTQ+ travel. The discussion included contributions from industry leaders, government officials, and civil society representatives, further emphasizing the broad support for law reform.
The Guyana Together campaign, launched in September 2023, is leading the charge for these reforms. Supported by organizations such as the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Black Entrepreneurs Association (BEA), and SASOD Guyana, the campaign seeks to reduce stigma and increase acceptance for LGBTQ+ Guyanese.
