Inside Rwanda’s full recovery of tourism sector

Rwanda's tourism sector faced a significant setback due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, experiencing a decline of over 70 percent in visitor numbers. However, the recent resurgence indicates a promising path towards full recovery. The country's emphasis on conference tourism has been a key driver, culminating in the prestigious hosting of The World Travel and Tourism Council Summit. CNBC Africa engaged in a conversation with Michaella Rugwizangoga, Chief Tourism Officer at Rwanda Development Board, shedding light on the nation's remarkable journey to revitalize its tourism industry. Rwanda is on the brink of a significant milestone as it eagerly awaits The World Travel and Tourism Council visit, marking the first time this prestigious event is hosted on African soil. Michaella Rugwizangoga highlights the pivotal importance of this occasion, not only for Rwanda but for the entire continent. The summit serves as a platform for industry leaders, including chairmen and CEOs of prominent private hospitality companies, to convene, share insights, foster investments, and glean best practices across borders. The imminent commencement of the summit signals a momentous opportunity for Rwanda, slated to commence in just two days. The meticulous preparations preceding the event underscore Rwanda's readiness to showcase its prowess on the global stage. Michaella Rugwizangoga exudes confidence in the country's preparedness, citing prior successful hosting of summits of similar magnitude. Since being announced as the host a year earlier, Rwanda has meticulously tailored its preparations to ensure an unforgettable experience for attendees who have already begun arriving. With participants engaging in activities such as trekking and touring Takagera Park, Rwanda's commitment to delivering a holistic visitor experience is abundantly clear. Despite the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism landscape, Rwanda's remarkable resilience shines through. Michaella Rugwizangoga accentuates the sector's remarkable recovery, citing a notable influx of 1.1 million visitors and revenues surpassing 440 million USD in the previous year. The strategic alignment of government efforts with targeted communication campaigns, notably in collaboration with esteemed sports partners such as Arsenal and PHG, played a pivotal role in reiterating Rwanda's openness to visitors. These concerted efforts bore fruit swiftly, laying a robust foundation for sustained growth in the sector. Infrastructure emerges as a cornerstone in Rwanda's tourism resurgence, with a keen focus on enhancing accessibility and visitor experience. The country's capital, Kigali, boasts state-of-the-art facilities ranging from airports to pristine roads and impeccably maintained urban landscapes. Moreover, Rwanda's national airline has expanded its connectivity, recently inaugurating new flight routes like Paris, further bolstering its strategic positioning. By continually enhancing infrastructure and optimizing tourism assets, Rwanda remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences to its visitors. Sustainability lies at the heart of Rwanda's tourism strategy, ingrained in every facet of its operations. Michaella Rugwizangoga elucidates Rwanda's high-end, low-volume tourism model, meticulously designed to preserve national parks and tourism assets while fostering community development. A stringent visitor cap in national parks coupled with a significant reinvestment of 10% of tourism revenues back into local communities underscores Rwanda's unwavering focus on sustainability and community empowerment. Transitioning from a predominant association with mountain gorillas to a diversified tourism portfolio, Rwanda's multifaceted approach has propelled it to prominence in the global events calendar. Embracing a robust Meeting, Incentive, Conference, and Event (MICE) strategy, Rwanda has surged to become a premier hub for conferences and events. Hosting a spectrum of prestigious events ranging from the FIFA Summit to the upcoming World Travel and Tourism Council Summit, Rwanda has transcended its gorilla-centric image to emerge as a global events magnet. With a stellar lineup of future events, including the World Cup of Football Legends and the World Cycling Championship, Rwanda continues to captivate global audiences with its diverse offerings. Peering into the crystal ball, Michaella Rugwizangoga envisions a future brimming with sustainable growth and prosperity for Rwanda's tourism sector. The strategic blueprint entails a steadfast commitment to nature-positive tourism, entwined with robust infrastructure development and a skilled workforce. With landmark projects such as the forthcoming Amahoro Stadium, slated to be the largest in East Africa, and continuous investments in skills development, Rwanda lays the groundwork for a thriving ecosystem conducive to sustainable tourism growth. In a realm where growth, resilience, and sustainability harmonize seamlessly, Rwanda's tourism sector stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. The nation's relentless pursuit of excellence and sustainability sets a compelling precedent for emerging economies across the globe, underscoring Rwanda's unwavering commitment to redefining the tourism landscape.