Diversifying tourism market is important

Editor, RE: “Time to target the Asian tourism market” (The New Times, February 24).

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Editor,

RE: "Time to target the Asian tourism market” (The New Times, February 24).

As very rightly remarked, "Emerging markets like India and China can catapult Rwanda’s arrivals and earnings instead of depending on the US and European markets.”

It is a common saying "variety is the spice of life”. Indian outbound travelers look forward to a variety of new destinations and experiences. Remarkable Rwanda perfectly fits the bill as one such destination, offering a variety of new products and experiences. It was therefore wonderful having an exclusive Remarkable Rwanda stand for the very first time in India during the recently concluded Outbound Travel market 2016.

Visitors, both from the travel and tourism industry as well as MICE planners, evinced keen interest in what Rwanda has to offer.

The highlights of Rwanda’s presence in India were the signing of Memorandums of Understanding with the two biggest travel associations: Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI).

The MoUs will enable Rwanda to tap into the large Indian outbound travel market, which last year saw as many as 20 million Indians travel overseas.

Clarence Fernandes