At the heart of THAG’s work is the value we place on partnerships - locally, regionally, and internationally. In July, we had the privilege of welcoming a delegation from the Suriname Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHATA) for a three-day visit to explore opportunities for collaboration and mutual learning.

The SHATA delegation included:

• Mr. Egon von Foidl – Chairman of SHATA and Managing Director of Courtyard by Marriott Paramaribo
  
• Mr. Jerry A-Kum – Secretary of SHATA and Proprietor of JAK
  
• Mr. John Castello – Treasurer of SHATA and Director of Finance at Courtyard by Marriott
  

The visit opened with a productive meeting between SHATA representatives, THAG Executives, and the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Mr. Kamrul Baksh. Discussions centered on identifying areas for stronger collaboration, sharing industry knowledge, and building platforms to advance the tourism sector in both countries.

Over the three days, the delegation engaged in tours and site visits that showcased Guyana’s hospitality and tourism potential. Highlights included:

• Day 1: A guided visit to the Carnegie School of Home Economics and the under-construction Blue Ridge Hotel at Liliendaal.
  
• Day 2: An immersive tour of the Essequibo River with stops at Fort Island, Sloth Island Nature Resort, Hurakabra Resort, Baracara Falls, Aruwai Resort, and Baganara for high tea. The delegation was joined by Her Excellency Liselle Blankendal, Ambassador of Suriname to Guyana; Mr. Liam McShane, Deputy British High Commissioner to Guyana; and other invitees.
  
• Day 3: The formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between THAG and SHATA, followed by a site visit to the AC Marriott Hotel project along Ogle Airstrip Road, and a walk along Main Street before departure.
  

The signing of the MOU marks the beginning of a strengthened partnership between Guyana and Suriname’s tourism associations, setting the stage for deeper cross-border cooperation, cultural exchange, and joint promotion of our destinations. Beyond bilateral collaboration, both associations share a vision of expanding this effort, ultimately working towards strengthening tourism linkages across the Three Guianas.

Guyana and Suriname share deep historical ties, and through this partnership, THAG and SHATA look forward to building a more connected, sustainable, and resilient regional tourism industry.