Rwanda tourism numbers surpass forecasts

(eTN) – The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for Tourism and Conservation, yesterday released their arrival and related data for the year 2010. It was noted with not little pride that tourism brought over US$200 million into the country, up by over 14 percent compared to the year 2009 and ahead of the projected earnings. This makes tourism one of the leading economic sectors for Rwanda and little wonder that tourism indeed enjoys support and close cooperation from the very highest offices in the land.

The RDB also confirmed that last year over 660,000 tourists visited Rwanda and a number of new airline connections will undoubtedly further make its impact in 2011, when a new record is expected to be established.

RDB sources attributed the success of 2010 in great part to the ongoing diversification of the country’s tourism product, and while gorilla tracking remains the number one activity – the country is known worldwide for its mountain gorillas – the opening of the Nyungwe National Park and the Nyungwe Forest Lodge made quite an impact on the sector’s performance.

For 2011, RDB plans the establishment of birding trails outside the traditional national parks to relieve the pressure on accommodation near the main parks, and investors wishing to put up new lodges and resorts are encouraged to contact RDB for available sites. Write to [email protected] for relevant information.