Rwanda showcased its tourism offering at the largest travel and tourism gathering, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the largest in the Middle East and gathered over 2,000 exhibitors and representatives from more than 150 countries across the world.
Rwanda participated in the Arabian Travel Market in a bid to promote tourism; its tourist attractions and to position itself as a top tourist destination. The country’s delegation included officials from the Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda’s Embassy and Consulate in the UAE, RwandAir, and 10 tour operators and hoteliers.
Primate Safaris, Gorilla Expedition Safaris, Pure Africa Tours, Simba Voyages Ltd, Jambo Travel and Tours Limited, Gerry Tours Safaris, UberLuxe Safaris, G-Step Tours, Luxury Africa Tours, and Akagera Rhino Lodge were the tour operators and hoteliers present at the event.
The Rwandan delegation also organized a trade networking session with travel and tour agents along the margins of the market.
Tourism Promotion Manager at Rwabda Development Board, Linda Mutesi expressed her excitement about Rwanda’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market.
“We believe that Rwanda has a lot to offer to tourists, and we are committed to promoting our country as a top tourist destination. This platform provides Rwanda’s tour operators and travel agents an opportunity to connect with their international colleagues and foster new business relationships,” she said.
Rwanda also promoted its ‘Visit Rwanda’ campaign at the Arabian Travel Market and encourage more tourists to visit the country. The initiative was launched in 2018 to promote Rwanda as a top tourist destination in Africa and showcase the country’s unique attractions and experiences has proven successful in attracting visitors.
In addition, the country promoted its ‘Invest in Rwanda’ campaign which is aimed at attracting foreign investment to the country’s growing tourism industry.
The campaign focuses on Rwanda’s business-friendly environment, strategic location, and competitive incentives for investors. This is demonstrated by figures released by the Rwanda Development Board, which indicate that the country registered investments worth $3.7 billion in 2021, up from $1.3 billion in 2020, as these investments were driven by strategic investment projects.
Under the National Strategy of Transformation (NST1), which outlines Rwanda’s plans for economic development from 2017 to 2024, the government aims to double tourism income from $400 million to $800 million. By 2019, Rwanda had already hit the $500 million mark, demonstrating that the country is on the right track to achieving its goals.