Rwanda woos Indian tourists, investors

Indian business community have been urged to come and invest in Rwanda to tap into the immense opportunities the country offers. Joseph Kabakeza, the first counsellor and deputy head of mission at the Rwanda High Commission in India, said Rwanda presents investors huge opportunities in all sectors of the economy, especially in information and communication technology (ICT), health, education, agro-processing and energy. Kabakeza was speaking during the first business seminar code-named “Remarkable Rwanda” at Hotel Eros in Delhi, India. Joseph Kabakeza addresses the gathering. The seminar, that was organised by the Rwanda High Commission in India and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), attracted 90 Indian travel agents and potential investors from Delhi and the neighbouring areas. Kabakeza highlighted Rwanda’s economic progress in the last decade, saying the country is one of fastest-growing economies in Africa, safe; has investor-friendly policies and zero tolerance for corruption. He also said Rwanda wants to tap the potential of Indian tourism market to boost the country’s earnings from the sector. Mucyo Rutishisha, the second counsellor at the Rwanda High Commission said Rwanda has a variety of products to offer tourists, including mountain gorilla tracking, hiking, cultural tourism, bird watching and sightseeing among others. “The country is home to endangered mountain gorillas, making gorilla tracking a thrilling lifetime experience and a must do activity for first time visitors.” Official pose in a group photo with the cultural troupe. Rutishisha said Kigali is a safe and clean city, with award-winning museums and hospitable people, “making it a perfect place for visitors to begin or end their Rwandan experience”. In 2014, Indians were the second-largest visitors to Rwanda after Americans. Speaking at the event, Emmy Kwizera, the sales and marketing manager of Sabana Safaris, a local tour firm, urged Indian tourists to come and enjoy the serene banks of Lake Kivu, Nyungwe forest with its breathtaking canopy walk and the Akagera Game Reserve, which he said make Rwanda a great attraction for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Roheena Gidwani, the Kenya Airways sales manager, told participants that the airline will offer competitive fares between Delhi and Kigali. The evening ended on a perfect note with traditional Rwandan music and dance performances. business@newtimes.co.rw

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Rwanda woos Indian tourists, investors