As the world celebrated the International Tourism Day, yesterday, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), took the opportunity to launch a nationwide campaign to promote domestic tourism.

The campaign, run under the theme, "Tourism-it begins with YOU”, is part of a

wider drive to raise awareness among the local community, encouraging them to appreciate, visit and enjoy the country’s precious heritage and attractions.

Over the years, the country has continued to attract more foreign tourists with the government working to increase the number of attractions as well as ensuring a pleasant and safe stay for the visitors.

However, the Rwandan people have hardly picked interest in what the country’s tourism sector has to offer.

With the new campaign, more Rwandans will be aware of the available tourist attractions and, if well marketed, they would appreciate them.

This will not only enable locals to enjoy what the country has to offer, but will also increase tourism revenues as well as cushion against external shocks in the event when the number of foreign tourists goes down, as was the case during the recent economic crisis.

Tourism agencies should also conduct research to help identify and design packages that appeal to the local population and market them accordingly.

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