Rwanda’s growing tourism scene has been named the top emerging destination by readers of Wanderlust, a top British travel magazine, in recognition of the diverse attractions.

Readers of the publication voted Rwanda as a top emerging tourist destination at 97.14 per cent with most citing the recovery of the tourism sector.

The magazine noted that as the country is recovering from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, it has also made its mark on the travel map.

"In 1994, we witnessed the horrors of the Rwandan genocide and, in some ways, the country is still recovering. But over 20 years on, it’s making its mark on the travel map. You’ve been heading there and telling us you’ve liked what you’ve seen, crowning it this year’s best emerging destination,” the publisher’s note reads in part.

Among the aspects that saw Rwanda feted was the re-introduction of lions to Akagera National Park after a 15-year absence, as well as plans to re-introduce rhinos.

The introduction of rhinos will see Akagera National Park have all the ‘big five’ animals.

"There’s another cause for celebration too, as Rwanda’s wildlife is also recovering. Akagera National Park first reintroduced lions to the country last year after a 15-year absence and, in 2017, black rhinos will also be returning, making the park a Big Five destination,” the British publication says.

Other destinations that made it to the list include Bhutan, Bolivia, Georgia and Nicaragua.

Wanderlust, a 24-year-old publication, features travel experiences in articles, photos and videos showcasing tourist destinations globally.

The magazine is globally renowned with subscribers and readers in about in 112 countries across the world.

Endorsement

Joseph Birori, the managing director of Primate Safaris, one of the biggest travel agencies in the country, said the recognition is an endorsement of Rwanda’s tourism promotion efforts in the recent past.

Birori said the country ought to make the most of such rankings to make the potential tourists aware of what Rwanda has to offer.

He noted that the continued conservation efforts have served a great deal to boost attractions, coupled with investments by the private sector in facilities such as lodges.

The recent rise of the tourism sector continues to make a mark on the global scene and maintains its position as the country’s top foreign exchange earners.

The American Luxury and Travel Magazine ranked Rwanda 14th best tourist destination globally, while Bloomberg and CNN featured Rwanda among the top 17 destinations for tourists this year.

Rwanda Development Board, together with players in the sector, continue to make an effort to showcase local attractions globally through expos and exhibitions with most recent ones held in New York and Netherlands.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw