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In this viewpoint paper, the key advances needed for human resource development in the tourism industry of Guyana are outlined. The purpose of this paper is to present the author’s perspective backed up by relevant literature.

This research is exploratory in nature. Secondary data were collected to provide background to the research and primary data were collected via a survey of private sector tourism organizations.

Data gathered show that the tourism industry is primed and ready to accept changes in HR training. Notable areas are first responder training; basic and advanced wine training; preventative maintenance; specialized food and beverage skills; advanced culinary arts and foreign languages. In addition to the skills required, the findings showed that some legislative work needs to be carried out such as the draft tourism policy being made into law.

It is anticipated that the findings of this research will guide policy makers in drafting a human resource development policy for the tourism industry.

The purpose of this paper is to provide answers to the following questions: How was the tourism and hospitality industry in Guyana impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic? What recovery strategies have been designed? What are the prospects for the successful implementation of those strategies?

The paper is based upon a qualitative analysis of the recommendations and formal proposals that were issued from a variety of sources within government, private sector and academia during the 2019–2021 period of the pandemic.

The main findings of this paper are that an industry consensus exists regarding the severity of the impact of the pandemic and the need for a collaborative strategy to be designed and innovative measures implemented in order to accelerate industry recovery. This recovery entails attracting to Destination Guyana both a new wave of health-aware travellers as well as visitors from traditional markets and the diaspora. Analysis suggests that there is a broad consensus and convergence of objectives that embrace both government and private sector.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a significant quantity of literature and has seen a conspicuous incorporation of scientific medical data into tourism analysis. This is only to be expected in the circumstance of a global health emergency that has devastated the global tourism industry. The value of this article lies principally in its proposal of innovative methods and strategies that are critical to tourism recovery.