Baganara Conference Cottages launched as gov’t eyes growth in business events 

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, on Saturday joined Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, for the official launch and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Conference Cottages at Baganara Island Resort, marking another significant step in the expansion of Guyana’s eco-tourism and business tourism sector.

The newly commissioned Conference Cottages add 20 rooms to the resort, bringing Baganara’s total accommodation capacity to 36 rooms and significantly strengthening its ability to host conferences, retreats and business events in a natural, eco-friendly setting.

In her remarks, Minister Rodrigues described the expansion as more than a physical addition, positioning it as part of Guyana’s broader national development strategy.

“Eco-resorts and eco-lodges like Baganara are central to this vision. They are not niche products, they are national assets,” Rodrigues said. “Baganara’s continued investment sends a strong and confident signal. It says that eco-tourism and economic growth do not compete, they complement each other.”

She also praised the Correia Group of Companies for its long-standing commitment to the tourism sector and to Guyana’s development, noting that private sector confidence remains a critical pillar in building a diversified and inclusive economy.

Prime Minister Phillips, speaking candidly before his prepared remarks, reflected on his personal connection to the Essequibo River area and the transformation he has witnessed over several decades.

“I am intimately involved in seeing the development that has unfolded in this part of Essequibo over the last 40 years,” he said, describing the steady emergence of new investors and tourism facilities. “This is an area that has immense potential for tourism.”

The Prime Minister commended private sector investors who, over the years, have helped shape the region into an increasingly attractive destination, pointing to Baganara as a symbol of vision, perseverance and harmony with nature.

“The serenity, the beauty of this place, the lush forests and the gentle rustle of the Essequibo River remind us that here, visitors find not only relaxation but transformation,” Phillips said. “It is a place where quiet reflection meets the vibrant pulse of life.”

Phillips highlighted Baganara’s growing role in hosting high-level events, noting that the resort was selected as a venue for the Amazon Sustainability Summit and the launch of Tourism Awareness Month—clear indicators of its entry into the conference and events tourism market.

“With the opening of these new conference cottages, we mark a new chapter in that journey,” he said, adding that conference tourism represents a multi-trillion-dollar global industry and offers significant economic benefits, particularly for small countries like Guyana.

He emphasised that conference and business tourism generates higher visitor spending across accommodation, transportation, food and beverage, entertainment and local attractions, creating wide-ranging economic ripple effects and employment opportunities.

Chief Investment Officer, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, also underscored the strategic importance of the expansion, describing it as part of the Government’s interconnected economic vision.

“What we are seeing today is delivery,” Ramsaroop said, explaining that investments in tourism are closely linked to parallel developments in energy, infrastructure, logistics and transportation. “As more people come to Guyana for conferences, business and experiences, every sector benefits.”

He noted that initiatives such as airport expansion, road development, gas-to-energy and deep-water port plans will further support tourism growth, positioning resorts like Baganara as key beneficiaries of this integrated approach.

Chief Executive Officer of the Correia Group of Companies, Michael Correia, described the opening as a proud milestone for the company, noting that Baganara has evolved from a simple family retreat into a premier eco-resort that blends nature, comfort and modern amenities.

“The resort offers a rare and distinctive experience—immersion in nature while enjoying comfort, safety and hospitality of the highest standard,” Correia said, highlighting features such as modern conference facilities, private airstrip access, river and air transport options, excursions and sustainable operations.

Correia also pointed to ongoing national investments in airlift, airport infrastructure and road networks as strong indicators that Guyana’s tourism and hospitality sector stands on the threshold of major growth.

The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce extended congratulations to the Baganara Island Resort team, CEO Michael Correia and the Correia Group of Companies for what it described as a strategic and transformative investment that strengthens Guyana’s position as an emerging eco-tourism and conference destination.