Rwanda Convention Bureau in partnership with the Rwandan Embassy in China on Friday held an event in the capital Beijing where Rwandan business and tourism potential were showcased.
This is part of the Meeting, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) strategy that aims to make Kigali a top destination for meetings and conferences, and a tourism hub on the continent.
Dubbed, "the Best MICE Destination in Africa”, the event that was held at the Rwandan embassy, attracting officials from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in China, entrepreneurs, and tourism companies among others.
Rwandan officials told the Chinese business operators and players in the tourism industry that Rwanda was one of the safest and easiest place to do business.
The country targets to earn $88 million from hosting MICE events during the 2019/2020 fiscal year.
The target is to host at least 240 events during the upcoming fiscal year.
The promotion event was held three days after the inauguration of direct flights by the national carrier, RwandAir, between Kigali and Guangzhou.
Frank Murangwa, the Director of Destination Marketing at Rwanda Convention Bureau, noted that Rwanda has a lot to offer to Chinese both as investors and as visitors.
"China has a big number of tourists. It is our pleasure to introduce them to the opportunities that Rwanda offers in terms of hosting meetings, conferences, exhibitions, business and tourism. We hope that showcasing the potential of the country here will attract more Chinese to come and explore Rwanda,” Murangwa said.
Reflecting on the Kigali-Guangzhou direct flights, he said that this will make it easy for Chinese to come to Rwanda, adding that easy travel was a key incentive for tourists.
According to Eduard Yin, Chairman of Rwanda Chinese Association and a businessman who operates a Chinese restaurant in Kigali and a tourism agency, Rwanda has many opportunities for Chinese to explore.
"Now, many Chinese know much about Rwanda following last year’s visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Rwanda is the most secure country in Africa which is very important for Chinese.
"Once more Chinese visit, I am sure they will love the uniqueness of the country as well as the hospitality of the citizens. There are opportunities in various sectors such as tourism, agricultural, mining, among others, which Chinese investors can tap into,” Yin said.
In his remarks, Amb. Charles Kayonga, the Rwandan envoy to China, invited Chinese to visit Rwanda, encouraging them to make the most of the two countries’ friendship.
Kayonga noted that, once in the country, Chinese are likely to experience Rwandan culture, explore diverse opportunities, create networks with Rwandan business people, as well as enjoy the beauty of the country.
editor@newtimesrwanda.com