Rwanda aims to boost annual tourism revenues to $1.1 billion (over Rwf1.5 trillion) by 2029, up from $620 million in 2023, by promoting high-end, eco-friendly, and diversified tourism, Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva has said.
Presenting the country’s five-year development programme to Parliament on Tuesday, August 12, Nsengiyumva said the plan involves upgrading existing destinations and developing new attractions across the country to promote nature-based tourism.
The strategy forms part of the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which runs until 2029 and is designed to advance Rwanda’s Vision 2050 of sustainable growth, prosperity, and improved quality of life.
Tourism, a key driver of Rwanda’s economy, is expected to help more than double the country’s exports to $7.3 billion in 2029 from $3.5 billion in 2023. In partnership with the private sector, the government will invest in projects that protect the environment and biodiversity, while also introducing innovations in tourism services.
To strengthen Rwanda’s standing as a global hub for international meetings, under the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) subsector, strategies will focus on attracting high-profile conferences, exhibitions, sports, and entertainment events. Efforts will also be made to improve service quality, with capacity building and skills training for sector employees, alongside updated guidelines and standards.
Sports development will complement tourism, with plans to expand infrastructure nationwide, nurture young talent, and work closely with private partners to promote sports from the grassroots.
Rwanda earned $647 million from tourism in 2024 and targets more than $700 million in 2025, according to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Prince Ruzigana / The Kaminuza Star