Above: Guyana

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Guyana saw an increase in tourist arrivals of 11.7 percent in 2013, according to data released this week by the government.

The country received 176,642 visitors in 2012, according to data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization, which was itself a 12.6 percent increase over the previous year.

Last year’s count was approximately 197,310 visitors.

For 2014, the Tourism Ministry says it is projecting a 15 percent increase in visitor arrivals, with hopes or record numbers from all ports of entry, including Moleson Creek, Lethem and the Ogle and Cheddi Jagan International Airports.

The Ministry said it was also hoping for a boost from projects like the new Guyana Marriott in Georgetown, which is set to open later this year, and the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

“They both have the potential to stimulate Guyana’s economy, simultaneously creating a myriad of job opportunities and employment, which in turn will generate revenue,” the government said in a statement.