Hilton Marks Entry into Guyana with Dual-Brand Hotels

Hilton Worldwide plans to debut in Guyana with two properties: Hilton Georgetown and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Georgetown. Set to be part of a mixed-use complex on Georgetown's waterfront, these hotels will add 411 rooms to Hilton's expanding portfolio in the Caribbean and Latin America. The Hilton Georgetown will feature upscale amenities including a lobby bar, restaurant, and outdoor pool, while the DoubleTree Suites will offer spacious accommodations with the signature warm DoubleTree cookie welcome. This development is a testament to Hilton's confidence in Guyana's growth as a business and leisure destination.

Major Infrastructure Project to Create Over 300 Jobs in Guyana

A monumental project to reconstruct the Linden/Soesdyke Highway has been launched, with over 300 new jobs expected to arise during the development phase. This US$161 million project involves Trinidadian firm Namalco Construction Services and local partner GuyAmerica Construction Inc., with oversight by Al Habishi Engineering. President Dr. Irfaan Ali underscored the project's importance in enhancing connectivity and supporting hinterland communities' development. Scheduled for completion within two years, the highway upgrade is seen as a crucial step towards modernizing Guyana's infrastructure to support broader economic growth.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises

1. Support Services for Infrastructure Projects:

   • Training and Certification: Small enterprises can offer training and certification for construction-related skills, catering to the labor needs of large projects like the Linden/Soesdyke Highway reconstruction.

   • Supply and Logistics: Small businesses could become suppliers or logistics providers for materials like safety equipment, construction tools, and local raw materials needed for infrastructure projects.

2. Tourism and Hospitality:

   • Local Tours and Cultural Experiences: With the introduction of Hilton in Guyana, small enterprises can create partnerships to offer local tours and cultural experiences for tourists.

   • Artisanal Goods and Souvenirs: Capitalizing on the influx of tourists, small enterprises could focus on crafting unique local products, which could be sold directly to hotels like Hilton for their gift shops or used as amenities in rooms.

Medium Enterprises

1. Technology and Connectivity Solutions:

   • ICT Solutions: Medium enterprises could develop ICT solutions and infrastructure support, especially for hinterland areas mentioned to be receiving improved internet connectivity. This could include setting up local ICT hubs or offering maintenance and support services.

   • Software Development: There is an opportunity to create customized software solutions or apps that cater to local businesses or the government, especially in areas like environmental management and oil spill response.

2. Specialized Construction and Engineering Services:

   • Environmental Consulting: Medium enterprises with a focus on environmental engineering could offer consulting services for the new projects, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

   • Technical Services: Providing specialized services such as geological surveys, structural engineering assessments, and advanced analytics for construction projects.

Large Enterprises

1. Infrastructure and Real Estate Development:

   • Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Large firms could engage in PPPs with the government to fund and manage large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the development of new industrial zones or the expansion of existing highways.

   • Real Estate Development: Investing in real estate developments around new infrastructural projects like the Linden/Soesdyke Highway could be lucrative, given the potential increase in property values and the demand for both residential and commercial properties.

2. Hospitality and Corporate Services:

   • Hotel and Leisure Facilities: Large enterprises could explore investments in building or managing hotel facilities, particularly in anticipation of the business growth from international hotels entering the market.

   • Corporate Services: Offering corporate services such as event management, catering, and executive transportation tailored to the needs of businesses and tourists in the expanding hotel and corporate sectors.

Notes and Thoughts

• Local Collaboration: Businesses of all sizes should consider forming alliances and partnerships with local communities and governments to ensure that the benefits of development are sustainable and widespread.

• Skill Development: There is a clear need for skill development across various sectors. Businesses could benefit from investing in their workforce to meet the growing demands of new industries and technologies.

• Environmental Sustainability: Given the focus on oil spill laws and the environmental impacts of construction, businesses should integrate sustainable practices into their models to align with national and international environmental standards.

Each of these opportunities not only aligns with the current developments but also supports sustainable growth and community involvement, which are crucial for long-term success in emerging markets like Guyana.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Local Artisanal eCommerce Platform

Idea Overview: Develop an online platform that connects local artisans, crafters, and producers with both domestic and international markets. This platform would facilitate the sale of unique Guyanese products such as handmade crafts, local artworks, indigenous jewelry, and specialty foods that capture the cultural richness of Guyana.

Opportunity Insight:

• With the increase in tourism and new hotel chains like Hilton establishing a presence, there is a growing market for authentic local products both as souvenirs and cultural representations.

• An online platform reduces the barrier to entry for local artisans who may not have the capacity to market their products effectively on their own.

Execution Strategy:

• Partner with local artisans and craft communities to ensure a supply of quality products.

• Utilize social media and digital marketing to target tourists before and during their visits, as well as diaspora communities interested in purchasing authentic Guyanese goods.

• Consider logistics partnerships for reliable shipping, especially for international orders.

2. Specialized Tour and Experience Provider

Idea Overview: Create a service offering specialized tours and unique local experiences tailored to visitors' interests, such as eco-tours, historical walks, culinary experiences, or visits to local communities and cultural sites. This business would cater to tourists seeking a deeper understanding and experience of Guyana beyond the typical tourist paths.

Opportunity Insight:

• The rise in international hotel brands and improved infrastructures, like the upgraded highways, will likely increase tourist access and interest in exploring beyond city limits.

• There is an opportunity to create high-value experiences that are educational, enjoyable, and unique, catering to a market willing to pay a premium for authentic and personalized experiences.

Execution Strategy:

• Collaborate with local historians, chefs, and community leaders to craft authentic and engaging tour packages.

• Develop partnerships with hotels and travel agencies to offer your tours as part of their package deals to incoming tourists.

• Invest in quality marketing materials and online presence to attract attention and build a reputation for excellence.

3. Mobile Connectivity Solutions

Idea Overview: Establish a mobile service that assists residents and businesses in remote or newly developing areas with setting up and maintaining internet and mobile connectivity solutions. This could include selling and setting up satellite internet services, offering mobile hotspot devices, and providing on-demand tech support for connectivity issues.

Opportunity Insight:

• With the government’s push to enhance internet connectivity across hinterland regions, there will be increasing demand for services that facilitate and support these enhancements, particularly in areas where traditional tech support may not be readily available.

• As connectivity improves, the potential for remote work, online business, and educational opportunities grows, increasing the need for reliable internet solutions.

Execution Strategy:

• Partner with internet service providers to offer setup and troubleshooting services.

• Develop a mobile service team that can travel to clients' locations to provide on-site support.

• Market services to both households and businesses, emphasizing the value of reliable connectivity for educational, commercial, and personal use.

These side hustle ideas are scalable and can start small, targeting niche markets that are likely to expand as Guyana's economy grows. They offer the flexibility needed for individuals looking to supplement their income while contributing positively to the local economy and community development.