Berlin- Rwanda, has for the 6th consecutive time, emerged among the top three Best African Exhibitor at the prestigious, 45th edition of the Internationale Tourismus Börse (ITB-Berlin).

The country scooped the 2nd Best African Exhibitor Award at the world’s premier tourism trade fair.

Rwanda was represented by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) together with the National Museum, Rwandair, Primate Safaris, Thousand Hills Expeditions, Wildlife Tours-Rwanda, Zebra Country Tours, Songa Africa, Intore Expeditions and East Africa Explorers.

According the head of tourism and conservation at RDB, Rica Rwigamba, by participating in the fair, Rwanda has continued to interest tourists across the globe and also cement its place among the world’s favourite destinations.

"Every year, we have growing interest by international operators and journalists on what Rwanda has to offer. Rwanda’s presence is also growing as our local tour operators and other institutions participate in bigger numbers in this fair,” Rwigamba said.

"Once again we are among the top three the African Exhibitor Award the sixth time in a row, which indicates that our momentum as a top tourism destination has no boundaries,” she added.

The country scooped first place the last three consecutive years.

Rwanda showcased her best, ranging from culture to new tourism experiences to enjoy, with special attention on promoting novelties such as the new canopy walkway, new flights with Rwandair, and the new high-end hotels investing in the country like the Mariott, Mantis etc.

"The Award is a very special distinction for the country’s tourism sector. Our excellence is attributed to the creativity and hospitality as showed by the exhibitors and is a good addition to the recent award of top five upcoming destinations for 2011 announced by Wanderlust Magazine last month,” added Rwigamba.

The RDB CEO, John Gara, commended ongoing efforts by the government and the Private Sector, a combination that has enabled the country to out-compete the biggest tourism destinations in Africa.

He added that RDB is committed to promoting Rwanda as a tourist destination with targeted tourism revenues estimated at $216m by the end of 2011.

The fair attracted over 11,000 exhibitors from 188 countries that presented their products and the latest travel trends at the ITB Berlin. There was a record of over 100,000 trade visitors and 60,000 members of the general public.

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