Suriname is experiencing rapid growth in its tourism industry thanks to visa-free travel. | kbnmart

reading time: 5 minutes

Located on the northeastern coast of South America, Suriname is a hidden gem brimming with natural beauty and cultural richness. Its pristine rainforests, teeming with diverse wildlife, offer unparalleled opportunities for ecotourism. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases stunning landscapes and a diverse array of species, from jaguars to exotic birds. Paramaribo, the capital, blends colonial architecture with vibrant street markets, reflecting the country’s multicultural heritage. The warm hospitality of the Surinamese people adds to the charm of visiting this unique nation. Adventure seekers can explore the mighty Suriname River, indulge in thrilling water sports, or embark on treks through dense forests, making Suriname an emerging destination for nature lovers and culture vultures alike. As of August 2024, Surinamese citizens can travel to 79 destinations without a visa, opening up a world of possibilities for exploration and adventure.

TTW Editor-in-Chief Mr. Anoop Kumar Kishan said,: “This initiative represents a huge transformation for Suriname’s outbound travel industry, enabling Surinamese citizens to explore the world with unprecedented ease. With visa-free access to 79 destinations as of the latest update in August 2024, including key destinations such as Brazil, Indonesia, Russia and the Schengen countries, 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 enhanced travel freedom is sure to encourage more Surinamese travelers to embark on international adventures, enrich their experiences and strengthen global connections.”

State economy and GDP

Official estimates indicate that Suriname’s GDP will reach US$12 billion by the end of 2023, based on purchasing power parity. This figure provides a basic understanding of the size and potential of the country’s economy.

However, the World Economic Forum has taken a more nuanced approach to calculating GDP. It has developed an extensive database that not only presents GDP in terms of purchasing power parity, but also includes additional estimates of the size of the informal economy. This adjustment is crucial because the informal economy often represents a large portion of economic activity that is not included in official statistics. Furthermore, the World Economic Forum adjusts the old base year data for GDP, ensuring a more accurate and contemporary reflection of the true size of the economy.

According to the World Economic Forum’s rigorous methodology, Suriname’s GDP is estimated at $16 billion. This is 39% larger than official estimates, highlighting significant economic activity that may have previously been overlooked. This significant revision underscores the importance of considering different factors and methodologies when assessing a country’s economic health and potential.

The 2023 data is based on IMF growth estimates applied to revised GDP figures from the world economy. This integration of IMF growth rates ensures that the estimates remain relevant and reflect the latest economic trends and forecasts.

Dynamics of outbound tourism

Suriname’s travel and tourism market revenue is expected to witness continuous growth from 2024 to 2029, increasing by a total of US$3.3 million, representing a growth of 40.15 percent. This continuous upward trend is expected to peak in 2029, marking the ninth consecutive year of growth. By then, revenue is expected to reach a new peak of US$11.52 million.

Surinamese citizens can travel with a free visa.

• Angola
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Aruba
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Bonaire; Saint Eustatius and Saba
• Brazil
• China
• Colombia
• Cook Islands
• Costa Rica
• Curacao
• Dominica
• dominican republic
• Ecuador
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China)
• Israel
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Kiribati
• Madagascar
• Malaysia
• Mauritius
• Micronesia
• Montserrat
• New York
• Sultanate of Oman
• Palestinian territories
• Peru
• Filipino
• Russian Federation
• Senegal
• Serbia
• Singapore
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Lucia Street
• Saint Martin
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Gambia
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos Islands

Visa on arrival

• the two seas
• Bolivia
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cape Verde Islands
• Comoros
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Guinea Bissau
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Jordan
• Macau (Special Administrative Region of China)
• Malawi
• the moldive Islands
• Mauritania
• Mozambique
• Nepal
• Nicaragua
• Palau Islands
• The State of Qatar
• Rwanda
• Samoa
• Seychelles
• Somalia
• Tanzania
• East Timor
• Tuvalu
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

1. Kenya
2. South Korea
3. Sri Lanka

Top Tourist Destinations for Travelers to Suriname

Suriname saw its highest outbound tourism spending in the past decade in 2015, with international tourists from the country spending a total of US$128 million at their destinations. By the end of the 2000s, Suriname’s spending on international tourism had fallen to US$94 million, with about US$7 million going to passenger transport expenses. In 2019, Suriname’s population was about 580,000.

The main travel destinations are as follows:

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

Major airports and airlines in Suriname

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport

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

Facilities and services:

• Station amenities: The airport features a modern terminal equipped with basic amenities such as restaurants, duty-free shops and car rental services.
• Passenger Services: Services include free Wi-Fi, lounges, luggage handling and currency exchange facilities.
• Transport links: Efficient transportation options such as taxis, shuttle buses and car rentals are available to connect the airport to Paramaribo and other areas.

Runway and capacity:

• Runway details: Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport has a single asphalt runway of 3,480 metres, accommodating aircraft of various sizes.
• Crowded passengers: The airport handles a large volume of passenger traffic, serving as a hub for international and regional flights.

Zorg an Hub Airport

Location and overview: Sorge en Hope Airport (ORG) is a smaller airport located within Paramaribo. It mainly serves domestic flights and some regional destinations.

Facilities and services:

• Station amenities: Basic amenities are available, including seating areas, convenience stores and snack bars.
• Passenger Services: Limited services focused on quick and efficient local travel.

Runway and capacity:

• Runway details: The airport has a shorter runway suitable for small aircraft, facilitating local connections and charter flights.
• Crowded passengers: Sorge N Hope Airport plays a vital role in connecting the remote areas of Suriname and supports a moderate volume of passenger traffic.

Surinamese Airlines (SLM)

summary: Surinam Airways, or SLM (Suriinaamse Luchtvaart Maatschappij), is the national airline of Suriname. Founded in 1955, it operates domestic and international flights.

Fleet and Destinations:

• Fleet details: The company’s fleet includes Boeing and Airbus aircraft, designed to serve various routes efficiently.
• International destinations: Major international destinations include Amsterdam, Miami, and various locations in the Caribbean.
• Internal roads: Surinam Airways also operates flights to domestic destinations, facilitating regional connectivity.

Services and offers:

• Services during the flight: Passengers can enjoy in-flight entertainment, meals and comfortable seats on international flights.
• Loyalty Program: The airline offers the Flying Blue frequent flyer program, in partnership with other airlines, providing rewards and benefits to frequent flyers.

International Airlines Serving Suriname

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines:

• summary: KLM operates direct flights between Amsterdam and Paramaribo, providing a vital connection between Europe and Suriname.
• Services: KLM offers comprehensive in-flight amenities, including meals, entertainment and comfortable seating options.

American Airlines:

• summary: American Airlines recently began 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:

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

Other regional airlines:

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

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

In terms of infrastructure, Suriname is well served by major airports such as Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport and Sorge N. Hope Airport. These airports, together with the services of the national airline Suriname Air and other international airlines, ensure strong connectivity. This network supports domestic and international travel, and promotes tourism and economic exchange. The combination of natural beauty, economic initiatives and a strong aviation infrastructure contributes to Suriname’s position as a promising player in the global tourism landscape.