The Rwanda Office for Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) Friday celebrated the achievements it registered in the last year.

In her congratulatory message, Minister of Commerce Monique Nsanzabaganwa commended the achievements of the tourism industry and thanked ORTPN staff for its tireless efforts.

"I urge all stakeholders to keep up the effort in order to realise the targets of this New Year,” Nsanzabaganwa said at Serena Hotel, Kigali.

She revealed that in the past year tourism had greatly contributed to the country’s economic development and the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS).

According to statistics from ORTPN, visitor numbers have increased from 826,374 in 2007 to an estimated 1 million in 2008, a 30% increase.

Projections for 2009 see numbers soaring to 1.14 million.

With revenues this year projected at USD 224 million compared to USD 214 million last year, this is a clear demonstration of the industry’s growing potential.

The ceremony, which had its own light moments, also saw ORTPN reward Jean Bizimana, one of its longest serving officers currently in retirement.

The former Law Enforcement Manager served with the institution from 1981 and was hailed as the longest serving worker still living.

"He worked hard in cooperation with fellow staff members to ensure preservation of nature and Giraffes,” said another official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Rosette Rugamba the Deputy CEO of Rwanda Development Board in charge of tourism said that they will continue to strive for growth despite challenges such as the global financial crisis. She also thanked all the stakeholders for their contribution towards ORTPN’s success.

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