Tourism revenue in Rwanda grew 22% in the first half of the year

Rwanda's tourism sector has shown an impressive recovery in the first half of this year, with a 22.3% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year. According to the Rwanda Development Board, the country generated $68 million from tourism, marking a significant rebound after being heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Head of Tourism & Conservation, Ariela Kageruka, discussed these positive developments and the upcoming gorilla naming ceremony in an interview with CNBC Africa. The annual naming ceremony, known as 'Kwita Izina,' will be held in person this year after two virtual editions due to the pandemic. The event will see the naming of 20 baby gorillas and will take place at the foothills of the Volcanoes National Park. Kageruka emphasized the importance of Kwita Izina as a platform to raise awareness about conservation issues, particularly the success story of mountain gorilla conservation. She highlighted the positive news that the mountain gorilla population is thriving in the wild, with their conservation status improving from critically endangered to endangered. This shift is a cause for celebration and underscores the progress made in protecting Rwanda's biodiversity. Kwita Izina also serves as an opportunity to engage local communities, partners in the private sector, civil society, and the media in discussions about the benefits of preserving the environment and protecting national parks. These efforts are not only meaningful for the livelihoods of Rwandans but also contribute significantly to the country's economy. Tourism plays a crucial role in Rwanda's economic development, and initiatives like Kwita Izina showcase the country's commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Rwanda's tourism industry has shown resilience and growth. Kageruka highlighted the recovery of the sector, noting that tourism revenues increased by 25% in 2021 compared to the previous year. By June 2022, the country had already generated $168 million, representing 80% of the pre-pandemic levels in the same period in 2019. The resurgence of tourism is driven by a focus on mice and ecotourism, particularly in national parks, where high-end tourism has been a key revenue generator. Rwanda's success in hosting international events like Ironman 75.3, CHOGM, and various sports events has also contributed to the recovery of the tourism sector. These events have not only brought in significant revenue but have also showcased Rwanda as a premier destination for conferences and events. Looking ahead, Rwanda aims to reach a revenue target of $354 million this year, with a long-term goal of $800 million by 2024. Kageruka expressed confidence in achieving these targets, citing the positive trends in tourism recovery and the strong performance of gorilla tourism in particular. As Rwanda continues to position itself as a leading ecotourism destination, the success of the tourism sector remains a key priority for the country's economic growth. With ongoing efforts to promote conservation, engage local communities, and attract visitors from around the world, Rwanda's tourism industry is poised for further expansion and success in the years to come.