Rwanda Scoops Global Tourism Award

Rwanda has been awarded the best Continental Exhibitor of the 2015 International Tourism Bourse (ITB); this was at the just concluded Travel Trade Show in Berlin, Germany.

While addressing local reporters, the Head of Tourism at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Ambassador Yamina Karitanyi said that Rwanda's rich history, culture, diversity and an endless wildlife experience showcased at the stand drew a multitude of people and was a big attraction in Berlin.

"This year we focused on seeking out potential clients to Rwanda through our private sector. We are excited and honored to have won the two categories for Best African and Best Global stand at the 2015 ITB Travel fair in Berlin because this reinforces the confidence that the global market has for our country's tourism potential," she said.

Karitanyi urged other African nationals to visit and experience Rwanda, adding that it was time for Africans to know more about their neighbouring countries:

"As we work to link continental travel, this is an excellent period to get to know the rest of Africa. Tourists to Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda have the advantage of using a single visa to visit the three countries."

Rwanda's stand number 113 comprised of information exchanges and presentations by Rwanda Development Board, Institute of National Museums of Rwanda, Thousand Hills Expeditions, Primate Safaris, Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Wildlife Tours Rwanda, Nyungwe Top View Hotel and Amahoro Tours with both trade and consumer groups visiting. The cultural dress, music and dance displays from the National Ballet were huge favourites.

Rwanda's tourism sector continued to grow in the past year cementing its position as one of the key sources of foreign exchange for the country.

Last year, the sector registered a Nine percent increase in the number of visitors to Rwanda. Visitors grew from 1.14 million to 1. 2 million, and revenue increased from 296.4 million U.S Dollars to 303 million U.S Dollars.

RDB has announced plans to increase earnings from tourism to 860 million U.S Dollars in the next two years.

Kenya came second and Tunisia emerged third on the African category. Other top 10 African countries include Namibia, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Gambia and Seychelles.

This year's ITB attracted 186 countries and nearly 200,000 people.

ITB being the world leading travel show provides a great platform to show case Rwanda tourism products to the global world but also creates an opportunity for the Rwanda Tourism Businesses to meet, network and transact businesses with international travel buyers in a highly targeted and interactive environment.