BERLIN - Rwanda has, for the third time running, won the Best African Exhibitor Award at the annual International Tourism Trade Fair in Berlin (ITB Berlin).

The fair attracted over 11,600 exhibitors from all over the world. Africa was represented by 81 exhibitors from 34 countries.

Speaking to The New Times shortly after the award was announced, Francis Gatare, the Principal Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), said it was yet another achievement by the Rwandan tourism industry.

"This means a great deal for us to win this award for the third time in a row, especially now when most affected by the financial woes are reviewing their strategies to revamp the industry,” said the elated Gatare.

The Rwanda Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) which is in charge of developing the industry, is among eight government agencies that were merged to form RDB.

Namibia received the second prize while Kenya was third.

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