Rwanda’s tourism sector in an upward swing

Mount Muhavura, on the border between Rwanda and Uganda.

Rwanda’s tourism sector shows a positive trend as per the latest report by Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Last year the tourism sector generated revenue of USD 438 million, which is about 50 per cent of all service exports.

In terms of the source of the revenue, the East African Community became the highest source of revenue across all categories with 25 per cent of the total revenue.  Europe contributed 22 per cent, while the rest of Africa generated 21 per cent.

Rwanda’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) tourism strategy to make the country a tourism and international conference hub has been showing better results in recent years.

Kigali Convention Center, Rwanda

According to the report, MICE revenue grew by 180 per cent during the last ten years, while the number of delegates visiting Rwanda jumped from 15,000 to 28,300 in the same period.

Currently tourism has become Rwanda’s largest foreign exchange earner and the major employment generator as well. Tourism has generated over 90,000 jobs so far, as per the teport.

The tourism department aims at doubling the revenue from tourism USD 800 million by the year 2024.