RDB launches 227km tourism trail

Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has launched a 227km tourist trail, the Congo Nile trail, a new tourism product that is intended to boost the sector. The trail bridges the western Rwanda corridor passing through five districts with Rubavu as the starting point all the way to Rusizi. “Tourism is Rwanda’s number one foreign exchange earner so we must capitalize on this by diversifying and bringing more products on the market for tourists,” said Rica Rwigamba, RDB’s head of tourism and conservation. Rwanda is on course to achieve its tourism revenue target this year of US$ 216 million, up from US$ 200 million that was collected in 2010. The hike includes many delights for a tourist, such as coffee and tea routes with twelve coffee washing stations, three tea factories and natural beaches along the shores of L. Kivu. In its diversification campaign, RDB has in the past introduced new tourism products, including birding routes in Bugesera, Eastern Province and cultural products in Nyanza. “The trail will develop the regional infrastructure thus boosting the economic life of locals leading to sustainable economic growth,” added Rwigamba. A tourist on foot will take 10 days to complete the trail while one who chooses cycling will make it in 6 days while one driving will cover it in a day. Rwigamba urged residents to own the trail since they are the final beneficiaries and asked them to continue the campaign to promote and maintain the tourism attractions. Nelson Mbarushimana, the Executive Secretary of Rubavu District Advisory Council, called upon the residents to embrace the trail and make good use of it. “We must maintain this project and establish businesses along this path in order to benefit economically,” said Mbarushimana. alex.ngarambe@newtimes.co.rw