Suriname is Surging Tourism Industry with Visa Free Travel for 79 Countries Including Brazil, Russia, China and Qatar

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Suriname, nestled on the northeastern coast of South America, is a hidden gem brimming with natural beauty and cultural richness. Its pristine rainforests, teeming with diverse wildlife, offer unparalleled opportunities for eco-tourism. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases breathtaking landscapes and a variety of species, from jaguars to exotic birds. Paramaribo, the capital, blends colonial architecture with vibrant street markets, reflecting the country’s multicultural heritage. The Surinamese people, with their warm hospitality, enhance the charm of visiting this unique nation. Adventure seekers can explore the mighty Suriname River, engage in thrilling water sports, or embark on treks through dense jungles, making Suriname an emerging destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. As of August 2024, Suriname citizens can travel to 79 destinations visa-free, opening up a world of possibilities for exploration and adventure.

TTW Editor-in-Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan stated: “This initiative marks a monumental shift for Suriname’s outbound travel industry, empowering Surinamese citizens to explore the world with unprecedented ease. With visa-free access to 79 destinations as of the latest August 2024 update, including key destinations such as Brazil, Indonesia, Russia, and the Schengen nations, Suriname is not only enhancing global mobility but also strengthening its cultural and economic ties with these countries. Ranked 63rd on the Henley Passport Index, Suriname’s improved travel freedom will undoubtedly encourage more Surinamese travelers to embark on international adventures, enriching their experiences and fostering global connections.”

Country Economics and GDP

The official estimate for Suriname’s GDP at the end of 2023 was reported to be $12 billion in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. This figure provides a baseline understanding of the country’s economic size and potential.

However, World Economics has taken a more nuanced approach to calculating GDP. They have developed an extensive database that not only presents GDP in PPP terms but also includes additional estimates for the size of the informal economy. This adjustment is crucial as the informal economy often represents a significant portion of economic activity that is not captured in official statistics. Moreover, World Economics adjusts for outdated GDP base year data, ensuring a more accurate and contemporary reflection of the economy’s true size.

According to World Economics’ refined methodology, Suriname’s GDP is estimated to be $16 billion. This figure is 39% larger than the official estimates, highlighting substantial economic activity that may have been previously overlooked. This significant adjustment underscores the importance of considering various factors and methodologies when assessing a country’s economic health and potential.

The 2023 data is based on growth rate estimates from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which have been applied to World Economics’ adjusted GDP figures. This integration of IMF growth rates ensures that the estimates remain relevant and reflective of the most recent economic trends and projections.

Outbound Tourism Dynamics

The revenue in Suriname’s travel and tourism market is projected to experience continuous growth from 2024 to 2029, with an overall increase of $3.3 million USD, representing a 40.15 percent rise. This consistent upward trend is expected to culminate in 2029, marking the ninth consecutive year of growth. By then, the revenue is estimated to reach a new peak of $11.52 million USD.

Citizens of Suriname Can Travel with a Free Visa

• Angola
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Aruba
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba
• Brazil
• China
• Colombia
• Cook Islands
• Costa Rica
• Curacao
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Hong Kong (SAR China)
• Israel
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Kiribati
• Madagascar
• Malaysia
• Mauritius
• Micronesia
• Montserrat
• Niue
• Oman
• Palestinian Territory
• Peru
• Philippines
• Russian Federation
• Senegal
• Serbia
• Singapore
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Lucia
• St. Maarten
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• The Gambia
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos Islands

Visa-On-Arrival

• Bahrain
• Bolivia
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cape Verde Islands
• Comoro Islands
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Guinea-Bissau
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Jordan
• Macao (SAR China)
• Malawi
• Maldives
• Mauritania
• Mozambique
• Nepal
• Nicaragua
• Palau Islands
• Qatar
• Rwanda
• Samoa
• Seychelles
• Somalia
• Tanzania
• Timor-Leste
• Tuvalu
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

1. Kenya
2. South Korea
3. Sri Lanka

Top Outbound Destinations for Suriname Travelers

Suriname experienced its highest outbound tourism expenditure of the past decade in 2015, with international tourists from the country spending a total of $128 million USD at their destinations. By the end of the 2010s, Suriname’s spending on international tourism had decreased to $94 million USD, with approximately $7 million USD allocated to passenger transport expenses. In 2019, Suriname’s population was approximately 580,000 inhabitants.

Top Outbound Destinations are as follows :

1. Guyana
2. US
3. Brazil
4. Trinidad and Tobago
5. China
6. Hong Kong
7. Colombia
8. India
9. Belgium

Suriname Key Airports and Airlines

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport

Location and Overview: Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM), also known as Zanderij International Airport, is located approximately 45 kilometers south of Paramaribo, the capital city of Suriname. It is the main international gateway into and out of Suriname.

Facilities and Services:

• Terminal Amenities: The airport features a modern terminal equipped with essential amenities such as restaurants, duty-free shops, and car rental services.
• Passenger Services: Services include free Wi-Fi, lounges, baggage handling, and currency exchange facilities.
• Transport Links: Efficient transportation options like taxis, shuttle buses, and car rentals connect the airport to Paramaribo and other regions.

Runway and Capacity:

• Runway Details: Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport has a single asphalt runway, 3,480 meters in length, accommodating various aircraft sizes.
• Passenger Traffic: The airport handles a substantial volume of passenger traffic, serving as a hub for both international and regional flights.

Zorg en Hoop Airport

Location and Overview: Zorg en Hoop Airport (ORG) is a smaller airport located within Paramaribo. It primarily caters to domestic flights and some regional destinations.

Facilities and Services:

• Terminal Amenities: Basic amenities are available, including seating areas, small shops, and snack bars.
• Passenger Services: Limited services focused on quick and efficient domestic travel.

Runway and Capacity:

• Runway Details: The airport has a shorter runway suitable for small aircraft, facilitating domestic connections and charter flights.
• Passenger Traffic: Zorg en Hoop Airport serves a vital role in connecting remote areas of Suriname and supports a moderate volume of passenger traffic.

Suriname Airways (SLM)

Overview: Suriname Airways, or SLM (Surinaamse Luchtvaart Maatschappij), is the national airline of Suriname. Established in 1955, it operates both domestic and international flights.

Fleet and Destinations:

• Fleet Details: The airline’s fleet includes Boeing and Airbus aircraft, designed to serve various routes efficiently.
• International Destinations: Key international destinations include Amsterdam, Miami, and various Caribbean locations.
• Domestic Routes: Suriname Airways also operates flights to domestic destinations, facilitating regional connectivity.

Services and Offerings:

• In-Flight Services: Passengers can enjoy in-flight entertainment, meals, and comfortable seating on international flights.
• Loyalty Program: The airline offers a frequent flyer program, Flying Blue, in partnership with other airlines, providing rewards and benefits to regular travelers.

International Airlines Serving Suriname

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines:

• Overview: KLM operates direct flights between Amsterdam and Paramaribo, offering vital connectivity between Europe and Suriname.
• Services: KLM provides extensive in-flight amenities, including meals, entertainment, and comfortable seating options.

American Airlines:

• Overview: American Airlines recently commenced operations to Suriname, offering flights to and from Miami.
• Services: The airline offers a range of services, including in-flight entertainment, meals, and a frequent flyer program.

Copa Airlines:

• Overview: Copa Airlines connects Suriname with various destinations in the Americas via its hub in Panama City.
• Services: Passengers can enjoy seamless connections, in-flight services, and the airline’s loyalty program, ConnectMiles.

Other Regional Airlines:

Services: These airlines provide essential services and facilitate tourism and business travel within the region.

Overview: Several regional airlines operate flights to Suriname, enhancing connectivity within the Caribbean and South America.

In terms of infrastructure, Suriname is well-served by key airports such as Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport and Zorg en Hoop Airport. These airports, coupled with the services of the national carrier Suriname Airways and other international airlines, ensure robust connectivity. This network supports both domestic and international travel, promoting tourism and economic exchange. The combination of natural beauty, economic initiatives, and strong aviation infrastructure positions Suriname as a promising player in the global tourism landscape.

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