Rwanda is to showcase her tourist potential at the ITB-Berlin in Germany annual exhibition, slated to take place from March 5 to 9th this year. Last year, Rwanda scooped the best exhibitor award among African countries. Tourist experts say Rwanda’s participation is crucial since ITB-Berlin is the world’s leading tourism and trade fair that attracts thousands of travelers, media and visitors worldwide. Rosette Rugamba, the director general of Rwanda Tourism office said that through their participation, they will consolidate into the European travel market while providing general information about Rwanda’s latest developments. “New tourism products like bird watching of over 44 endemic species was launched in 2007, premier tourism events like “Kwita Izina” (gorilla naming ceremony) and the available potential business and investment opportunities in the tourism sector are some of the latest development to be marketed,” she said. Can Rwanda handle more tourists? Rugamba confidently noted that different initiatives have been introduced to cater for the expected increase in tourists. “There has been a 22 per cent increase in room capacity since 2006, the use of Visa Card services at main tourist sites, Rwanda’s diversified products and hospitable people will also help them achieve this year’s target of receiving 50,000 tourists to generate $ 68 million (Frw37.5 billion). Last year the country registered a 19 per cent increase in tourists arrivals compared to 2006 and a 36 per cent increase in revenues collected . Rwanda also initiated more efforts to promote herself through the traditionally woven baskets ‘’Agaseke”, live cultural performances and traditional dress. Recently, a monthly tourists calendar was released all to promote the tourism sector and cultural performances. Also a new website has been built and can be accessed in order to disseminate information about Rwanda to the Dutch travel industry. Ends
