US$50M world-class AC Marriott Hotel commissioned at Ogle

Conceived out of an investment made some five years ago in response to Guyana’s oil-driven economic transformation, the AC Marriott Hotel has officially come to fruition as the newest addition to the country’s rapidly expanding hospitality sector.

The US$50 million, five-storey, four-star hotel features 152 rooms and is strategically located near the Eugene F Correia International Airport at Ogle, East Coast Demerara. The hotel was officially commissioned on Saturday evening.

The project is being spearheaded by Trinuyana Investments Inc, which signed the construction contract in 2022. AC Hotels by Marriott operates in nearly 200 locations worldwide, and through Trinuyana Investments, the project was executed by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).

Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, President Dr Irfaan Ali said the hotel represents confidence, foresight and belief in Guyana’s economic future.

“This magnificent hotel that has been erected here represents ambition taking form and belief becoming visible. This edifice speaks clearly about the Guyana we are shaping – intentionally, confidently and without apology,” President Ali said.

He emphasised that the investment signals strong confidence in the country’s economy.

“It is a reflection of confidence in our economy and in the direction in which Guyana is heading,” the Head of State added.

Addressing questions surrounding the hotel’s location near a municipal airport, President Ali explained that development must anticipate growth rather than wait for perfect conditions.

“Some may ask, why a high-end hotel here at Ogle? Why near a municipal airport? Why now? The answer is simple – because development does not wait for perfection,” he stated.
The President further underscored the role of proactive investment in national development.

“Development creates its own momentum. Investment creates infrastructure, and confidence creates capacity. We do not wait until everything is in place to plan or to build – we build because we know what is coming,” he said.

He revealed that Ogle Airport is expected to play a greater role in the country’s aviation network.

“Ogle Airport will not remain a municipal airport. We already have flights landing here, and eventually more will arrive. The investors did not wait for expansion – they anticipated it,” President Ali noted.

Reflecting on discussions held years earlier, the President recalled sharing long-term development plans for the area with the investors.

“I remember sitting with John [Aboud] and his management team, looking at the plan, and I said there will be four-lane roads here, a paediatric hospital, housing developments, industrial zones, and interconnecting roads linking Georgetown, Eccles and Providence… This project is proof that when regional and local investors unite around a shared vision, extraordinary results follow – results that transform not only the physical landscape but also the story of a modernising, forward-looking Guyana,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Trinuyana Investments, John Aboud, highlighted the strong local workforce behind the project and praised the cooperation of public institutions.

“The attitude and aptitude of the public servants involved clearly reflect their understanding of the vision His Excellency has for Guyana and the urgency with which that vision is being pursued,” Aboud said.

He disclosed that the hotel will provide significant long-term employment.

“This phase of the development will permanently employ approximately 250 people, 98 per cent of whom are Guyanese. Many have undergone and continue to undergo rigorous training in the hospitality sector,” he noted.

Aboud also called for continued collaboration to build local capacity.

“We welcome support from the Ministry of Tourism, particularly in training, because building a world-class hospitality product requires continuous investment in people,” he said.

Looking ahead, Aboud revealed that the second phase of the development is expected to commence shortly and be completed over the next three years.

“The next phase will include an 80,000-square-foot lifestyle centre, an A-class office and professional park spanning 180,000 square feet, and 24 luxury residential units,” he explained.

Upon completion, the second phase is expected to bring the total investment to approximately US$200 million and will stand as a testament to the serenity and rhythm of the surrounding waters.