Grand Legacy Hotel, a huge boost to the tourism sector

The Grand Legacy Hotel, the latest addition to the hospitality sector, has opened shop promising unrivaled services. Located a stone throw away from the Kigali International Airport, as well as the city centre, the mega facility is a timely boost to the stressed hospitality industry. And, according to Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the coming of the hotel fits into the country’s vision of being the ideal destination for tourism. RDB’s chief operating officer Clare Akamanzi explained why the entry of the Hotel was timely. “Just last month, we received about 3,000 delegates for the African Development Bank Annual Meetings (May 19 – 23). With the growing number of international events happening here, there is need to increase the necessary infrastructure and facilities. So, Grand Legacy is indeed a much-needed addition to our tourism and hospitality industries and, specifically, for the growing MICE sector,” Akamanzi said. MICE stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions/Events. It’s a type of tourism in which large groups, usually planned well in advance, are brought together for a particular purpose. “Total revenues based on MICE tourism in 2013 were $49m. This is projected to triple to $150m in 2017, 16 per cent of all national export earnings and 34 per cent of the overall tourism receipts,” Akamanzi added. Grand Legacy Hotel, located in Remera, Gasabo district, opened its doors May 12. On Thursday evening the hotel hosted over 50 guests from different corporate companies, embassies and tour operators to showcase their top notch services. Clement Kithinji, the Grand Legacy Hotel boss, said their target goes beyond Rwanda. He said they are eyeing the regional and international market, a decision that influenced their investment in high-end facilities and designs. “We have come at the right time - when Kigali is positioning itself as a great location for meetings, both corporate and executive. This is quite a unique segment which will offer five star services,” he explained. Augustin Nzabana, the director of Achut, a tour company, said the interior design of the hotel is impressive. The hotel has 43 en-suite rooms, which include 32 superior rooms, 10 superior twin-bed rooms and one executive suite. The hotel also offers conference facilitates for both small and large groups.

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Grand Legacy Hotel, a huge boost to the tourism sector