There seems to be a new momentum in a couple of districts to position themselves as major tourist destinations. One of such projects is set to be implemented around Lake Muhazi in the east, while another one is seeking to promote the areas around Lake Kivu to the west. From Ikirenge Cya Ruganzu in Rulindo District to Ibisi Bya Huye in Huye District to hot springs in Western Province to a long list of fascinating heritage sites, Rwanda is teeming with cultural landmarks and sightings that nonetheless largely lie idle despite. Previously, there have been attempts at promoting different destinations around the country but with little success. For most part though, the tendency has been to promote more established destinations with promise of higher returns. Key players like the Rwanda Development Board have for long focused on its attention on the high-end market for the mountain gorilla sanctuary of Volcanoes National Park. They have also actively promoted the two other major national parks, Akagera National Park, home to the majestic ‘Big Five’, and the Nyungwe National Park, which is known for memorable canopy walks and diverse fauna and flora. Also, in recent years, there have been plans to promote key liberation sites and other attractions like the Congo-Nil Trail, but primary focus remains on Volcanoes, Akagera and Nyungwe. It goes without saying that this approach has helped turn Rwanda into one of the world’s top tourism destinations, with the sector emerging as the country’s top foreign exchange earner in recent years. Aside from the current difficulties associated with the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen international travel largely ground to a halt, it is safe to say that Rwanda has found a niche in tourism. However, going forward, there is a need to further consolidate this status by diversifying tourist offerings and product portfolio. Fortunately, almost every corner of Rwanda is endowed with fascinating attractions, although some are tucked away in hard-to-reach areas. But these destinations and products can easily be harnessed, especially since the Government has invested heavily in infrastructure such as roads and internet backbone. Granted, such investments can be costly but resources can partly be mobilised in the context of public-private partnerships, which have proven to be highly effective for a developing country like Rwanda. Most importantly, potential rewards of such investments, for instance in the form of jobs, business and country attractiveness, are worth the effort. However, to maximise potential benefits, there is a need for coherent coordination and guidance at the national level.
