Tourism revenues up 11 per cent

Tourism revenues this year have increased by 11 per cent compared to the same period (Jan –June) last year.According to Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the sector has so far raised US$128.3m compared to US$115.6m generated in the same period last yearThe Mountain Gorillas contributed the most income with most tourists in the country booking to see the rare species that live in the Virunga Mountains.Last month, permit fees to see the Gorillas were raised 50 per cent and according to most tourism agencies, visits to see the Gorilla’s are booked well in advance.Speaking to The New Times, the Head of Tourism and Conservation at RDB, Rica Rwigamba, said that the increase of permit fees will consequently trickle down to the communities living around the Vurunga as well as support conservation activities.RDB says it has spent Rwf1.4 billion on 220 projects in 12 districts surrounding national parks.According to Ms Rwigamba, it is such community investments and that have ensured the Gorillas are safe and the general peace and stability in Rwanda that has helped maintain a steady growth of the gorilla population.Rwanda shares the Virunga with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, however , the safety in Rwanda has not only ensured safety of Gorillas but helped the constant flow of tourists. “Rwanda’s tourism progress is attributed to peace and security. Visitor safety is guaranteed as usual. We would like to reassure visitors to Rwanda that it is business as usual here and that it is extremely safe and secure to travel to and within the country,” Rwigamba said.“To the all-in-one experience in Rwanda from diverse wildlife in the national parks, to the magnificent scenery, amazing climate and the rare mountain gorillas, peace and security continues to be a magnetic pool for visitors in Rwanda.” Rwigamba dispelled rumors that the conflict in the DRC has put Rwandan tourists at risk.Since the beginning of this year, the country hosted about 493,744 visitors representing an increase of 22 per cent compared to the same period in 2011. It recorded a remarkable 16 per cent increase in leisure visitors as well as an eight per cent increase in business visitors. According to RDB, the country’s tourism and conservation efforts arealso reflected in the commitment to contribute towards the communities’ welfare under the revenue sharing framework. As the government places conservation and community development at the core of the sustainable tourism agenda, tourism continues to be the largest foreign exchange earner. Last year, gorillas generated $9.6 million which was part of the $252 million revenues generated from the tourism industry. Regarding investment promotion, the tourism sector has so far registered projects worth $ 184.1m since January 2012. The projects are expected to create 1,328 jobs. “There was a noticeable increase in revenues, visits and value of registered tourism investments as well as projected jobs created in the first semester,” Rwigamba pointed out. “We believe that if we continue to achieve as reflected by the results in the first semester, we will indeed surpass our targets and more importantly, this will drive growth and generate wealth for Rwandans.”

National

Tourism revenues up 11 per cent