Governmentofficials on Saturday launched a new nationwide campaign to promote tourism through sports. If well implemented, the initiative could turn out to be a tremendous homegrown solution with hugely significant impact on the economy and people’s health. 

The campaign involves encouraging citizens to visit the country’s historical and cultural sites while exercising – which would also help keep them healthy and fit.

Tourism is the country’s biggest foreign exchange earner, but the potential of local tourism remains largely unexploited.

Although the Rwanda Development Board has put in place several initiatives to promote tourism, local tourism requires another shot in the arm, through initiatives like the one launched in Huye District over the weekend.

One of the core elements of tourism development is to encourage local communities’ participation as it is central to the sustainability of tourism industry.

Through local tourism, the citizenry get to know about the many historical and cultural sites around the country, while the tourism sector would get more revenue. 

 Such initiatives are timely as the country continues to look for innovative ways to boost this important sector. While many largely peg the fortunes of tourism on foreign tourists, local tourism is a big source of revenue which is yet to be fully exploited.  

Leaders at all levels should implement strategies and programmes designed to promote local tourism, especially in their respective localities.  Institutions like schools and universities are instrumental as students form a critical mass of local tourism.

Religious leaders too should get on board and preach the need for their followers to embrace local tourism.