How Rwanda plans to facilitate recovery in its hospitality sector

The government of Rwanda recently awarded one-to-five-star statuses to 31 tourism and hospitality establishments, a move aimed at facilitating the recovery of the sector, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Belize Kariza, the Chief Tourism Officer at the Rwanda Development Board, shed light on the rigorous classification process these establishments had to undergo during an interview with CNBC Africa's Julius Bizimungu. Kariza highlighted the significance of this classification, emphasizing that it allows for clear expectations in terms of service delivery for each establishment, from one to five-star hotels. This also aligns Rwanda with international standards and facilitates the country's efforts to attract global events by showcasing a variety of graded hospitality options. Since the classification process began in 2017, over 170 establishments have been graded, adding value to the industry and positioning Rwanda as a competitive tourism destination in the region. Moving forward, the government plans to establish a hospitality school to enhance service delivery and capacity building within the industry, bridging the gap in education and skills required for a world-class hospitality experience. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Rwanda remains optimistic about the sector's recovery. The government allocated a significant portion of the recovery fund to support the hospitality industry and prioritized vaccine distribution to hospitality workers. Additionally, the focus on sports tourism presents a promising avenue for growth, with initiatives such as the BAL - the Basketball Africa League - driving tourism through sporting events. Plans are also underway to develop an entertainment city around the Kigali arena and stadium, further enhancing the tourism experience. Shopping tourism is another area of potential growth, with the introduction of a duty-free shopping mall to cater to tourists' diverse shopping preferences. Promoting domestic and regional tourism will continue to be a priority, recognizing the vital role these segments played during the pandemic. These strategic initiatives demonstrate Rwanda's commitment to revitalizing its hospitality and tourism industry, leveraging innovation and resilience to bounce back stronger post-pandemic.