Rwanda’s MICE sector postpones events due to COVID-19

The Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) is currently evaluating recovery strategies for the Meetings, Incentives, Conference, and Events (MICE) industry in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Nelly Mukazayire, CEO of the Rwanda Convention Bureau, recently joined CNBC Africa to shed light on the measures being taken to ensure the industry's revival. Mukazayire highlighted the importance of working closely with event organizers to postpone scheduled events that were initially planned for March and April. Rather than canceling these events, efforts are being made to reschedule them for later in the year. RCB is collaborating with local stakeholders such as hotels and venues to identify suitable slots for hosting these postponed events. Some organizers have already confirmed new dates for the last quarter of the year, while others are eyeing the first quarter of the upcoming year. This proactive approach aims to uphold Rwanda's reputation as a premier MICE destination despite the current challenges. The impact of the pandemic on various economic sectors is being carefully assessed, with ongoing discussions among government officials, industry players, and stakeholders on potential solutions. While the focus remains on ensuring public safety, initiatives to bolster the economy and support affected sectors are also being explored. Mukazayire emphasized that the government's top priority is safeguarding the well-being of its citizens while navigating the economic repercussions of the crisis. The postponement of MICE events in March and April has already resulted in a significant revenue loss of approximately $80 million USD, representing 10% of the annual target of $88 million USD. The full extent of the impact on the MICE sector and the broader economy is still being calculated, with stakeholders closely monitoring the situation to assess potential short and medium-term job losses. Event companies and individuals employed in the sector may face uncertainties in the coming months, and efforts are underway to mitigate the consequences. Amidst these challenges, preparations for major events like the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in late June continue, with the government working in tandem with the Commonwealth Secretariat to closely monitor developments related to COVID-19. Decisions regarding the event will be made based on expert advice from organizations like the World Health Organization, prioritizing the health and safety of participants and the local population. As part of its response to the pandemic, Rwanda has implemented stringent health guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, emphasizing personal hygiene, social distancing, and prompt reporting of symptoms. Travel restrictions and other precautionary measures are also in place to limit the spread of the virus. The fluid nature of the situation makes it challenging to predict the exact impact on the MICE sector's annual targets. Depending on the rescheduling of events and the evolution of the crisis, adjustments to revenue projections may be necessary in the future. The focus remains on navigating the current challenges while striving towards a gradual recovery and resurgence of the MICE industry in Rwanda.