tourism in rwanda 2023

Rwanda Economic Update: Nature-based Tourism Holds Tremendous Economic Potential

KIGALI, February 21, 2023— The Rwandan economy continued to achieve strong growth in 2022 despite global headwinds and an unprecedented increase in food prices, according to the 20 th edition of the Rwanda Economic Update report released today.

Rwanda’s GDP grew by 8.4 percent in the first three quarters of 2022, after reaching 11 percent in 2021. Growth was spurred by the services sector, especially the revival of tourism, leading to the improvement of employment indicators to levels similar to those at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.

However, rising food prices may have exacerbated poverty and food insecurity, according to the Rwanda Economic Update. The increase in international commodity prices, related to the war in Ukraine combined with the poor harvest in Rwanda, have led to substantial increases in energy, transport, and food prices, with urban inflation rising to 21.7 percent in November 2022. Rising food prices particularly affected the poor, who devote a large share of their spending to food and appear to have faced higher food inflation than richer households did. Measures adopted by the government to mitigate the effects of inflation over the past year include an increase in subsidies (primarily on fuels, fertilizers, seeds, and public transit), increased spending on social protection, and increases in teachers’ salaries, as well as government contributions to school feeding programs.

“While the authorities have taken several measures to mitigate the impact of inflation on households, further steps are required to protect the poor and vulnerable from the impact of rising food prices as well as to strengthen policies to address food insecurity and prevent child stunting,” according to Peace Aimee Niyibizi, World Bank Economist.

Going forward, Rwanda’s economy is projected to expand at a slower pace in 2023-2025. While tourism is likely to continue to recover, external demand is likely to weaken as a result of a major increase in interest rates by the central bank to reduce inflation.

In its special focus on “Making the Most of Nature-Based Tourism in Rwanda”, the report provides a thorough analysis of challenges and opportunities in the nature-based tourism sector in Rwanda.

Nature-based tourism holds tremendous potential for creating employment and spurring economic growth in Rwanda. But to fully use that opportunity, innovative actions would be needed to mobilize more resources, beyond government budget, and enhance private sector participation to protect natural assets and develop appropriate infrastructure said Rolande Pryce, World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda.

Tourism is a major source of Rwanda’s foreign exchange earnings and tends to generate a higher proportion of formal sector jobs than other sectors. Within the tourism sector, nature-based tourism, which accounts for 80 percent of leisure and business visitors in Rwanda, not only helps protect biodiversity and advance Rwanda’s efforts to adapt to climate change, but also plays an important role in job creation: for every $1 million (about Rwf 1,050 million) that nature-based tourism activities inject into the economy, it is estimated that an additional 1,328 new jobs could be created.   

The report notes that nature-based tourism in Rwanda faces significant challenges, including potential limits on the expansion of revenues for one of the primary international attractions (gorilla trekking), degradation of the natural assets, risks presented by infectious diseases, land degradation, and overexploitation of natural resources, and the impact of climate change.

Investment requirements to address challenges hampering the development of nature-based tourism in Rwanda are estimated at $97.5-107.7 million for the period from 2019 through 2030. The Update recommends accelerating efforts to secure private sector participation in financing and operating nature-based tourism facilities by introducing innovative financing methods, as well as strengthening capacity and the management of tourism facilities and services.

Efforts are required to enhance revenue sharing mechanisms and increase incentives for local communities to conserve natural assets and unlock new opportunities for community-led enterprises that generate revenue from tourism and sustainable management of natural resources, including forests. This is essential to address poverty, to mitigate poaching threats and other illegal activities, and to reduce the unsustainable exploitation of the natural assets that are vital for successful nature-based tourism, according to the Update.

DOWNLOAD REPORT Rwanda Economic Update: Making the Most of Nature Based Tourism in Rwanda (English)

EVENT | FEBRUARY 21, 2023 Launch of the 20th edition of the World Bank Rwanda Economic Update

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Rwanda Tourism Guide 2023-24

The Rwanda Tourism Guide 2023-24, is published as an official publication of the Rwanda Chamber of Tourism (COT) and in association with Rwanda Tours and Travel Association, Rwanda Hospitality Association, Rwanda Association of Travel Agencies, Rwanda Safari Guides Association, RHTEA, Rwanda Hospitality & Tourism Educators Association and Rwanda Community Tourism Association.

Rwanda to host 2023 World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit

• Previous Post

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced Rwanda as the host country for next year’s Global Summit.

The announcement was made at the closing of this year’s summit, which was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 28 – 30 November.

WTTC’s annual Global Summit is the most influential Travel and Tourism event on the calendar that brings together thousands of industry leaders and experts and key government representatives to continue aligning efforts to support the sector’s growth and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Speaking at the closing of this year’s summit, Clare Akamanzi, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) said:

“On behalf of the Government of Rwanda, it is our great pleasure and honour to have been selected to host the 2023 WTTC Global Summit in Kigali next year. We are a safe, and progressive country and are open for business and mean business. We are an African destination for sustainable tourism that has both local communities and the traveller at the heart of our strategy. We are excited to welcome you to the World Travel and Tourism council Global summit in Kigali in 2023. We look forward to continuing the impactful work of WTTC when we meet in Rwanda.”

On his part, Arnold Donald, Chair of the World Travel & Tourism Council said:

“It’s only fitting that our host for the WTTC 2023 Global Summit will be a country that has made great advancements in sustainable tourism and is now a true pioneer in the climate agenda. I hope to see everyone there.”

• Download photos from this year’s WTTC Global Summit here  

About the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)

The World Travel & Tourism Council of today is an organisation that has developed enormously since its inception, yet it still holds the same core values and purpose. The three main messages are in keeping with the vision of the CEOs who founded the Council in 1990:

• Governments recognising Travel & Tourism as a top priority
• Business balancing economics with people, culture and environment
• A shared pursuit of long-term growth and prosperity

WTTC’s Members remain the driving force behind its activities and policies. Membership now includes the entire spectrum of the Travel & Tourism industry – from airlines and airports to hotels and hospitality groups, tour operators and retail travel agents, online distributors, cruise lines, investment companies, insurance groups, and the technology industry.

As a voluntary organisation, WTTC provides an important example of business leaders spending time and money to move their global activity forward while playing a pivotal role in ensuring sustainable development in our ever-changing world.

WTTC’s research, which quantifies the direct and total impact of Travel & Tourism on our economies in terms of GDP and employment growth, has helped to raise awareness of the economic contribution of our industry and continues to feature heavily in the media and in Governments.

For over 30 years, our work has been fundamental in creating change and raising the awareness of Travel & Tourism’s value, not just as one of the world’s largest economic sectors, but also to the many communities and travellers enriched through their experiences. Our goal is for the Travel & Tourism sector to be seamless, secure, safe, inclusive, and sustainable whilst working to a greater public/private sector collaboration.

Media Contacts

In Rwanda: Maurice Twahirwa, Media Relations, Rwanda Development Board at [email protected]  

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• World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit

The 23rd World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, 1st - 3rd November 2023.

WTTC’s annual Global Summit is the most influential Travel & Tourism event on the calendar, and this year, industry leaders will once again gather with key government representatives to continue aligning efforts to support the sector’s recovery and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.

For registration and more information, visit the website below

 Location

Register to join us Virtually for the 23rd Global Summit in Rwanda. 

The 23rd World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, 1st - 3rd November 2023. 

WTTC’s annual Global Summit is the most influential Travel & Tourism event on the calendar, and this year, industry leaders will once again gather with key government representatives to continue aligning efforts to support the sector’s recovery and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Location:  Join virtually

Date: 1st - 3rd November 2023

Rwanda - the 23rd Host of the Global Summit

Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world. It is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest and sweeping plains.

See the highlights from last years Summits

Global Summit Philippines  

Under the theme of ‘Rediscovering Travel’, tourism ministers and Travel & Tourism leaders from around the world reinforced their determination towards greater cooperation and alignment between the public and private sector. 

Manila, Philippines | 20 - 22 April  2022.

Sustainability & Investment Summit Puerto Rico

The Sustainability & Investment Summit explored how the Travel & Tourism sector can enhance its sustainable and inclusive growth through practical steps and lessons shared by leaders in the field.

San Juan, Puerto Rico | 14 June  2022.

Global Summit Riyadh

Under the theme “Travel for a Better Future” the event in Riyadh focused on the value of the sector, not only to the global economy, but to the planet and communities around the world.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 28 Nov - 1st December  2022.

Register your interest to attend now    

Wttc strategic partners.

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Tourism revenue up by 56 per cent in first half of 2023

Patrick Nzabonimpa

Africa-Press – Rwanda. The current tourism figures show that Rwanda generated $247 million in the first half of 2023, a 56 per cent increase compared to $158 million in the same period in 2022, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced in a statement published on August 10.

The tourism industry continues to be one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country, generating millions of dollars in revenue each year.

The 2022 annual report by RDB states that tourism revenues rose by 171.3 per cent from $164 million in 2021 to $445 million (about Rwf496 billion) recorded in 2022.

The growth represents a remarkable 89.3 per cent recovery compared to the pre-Covid-19 pandemic period, indicated the report. The growth in tourism revenue was also above the earlier projected revenue ($350 million) for 2022.

As noted, the country’s tourism sector faced a very challenging year (2020) as global tourism and travel fell sharply in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic.

According to the report, in 2022, Rwanda welcomed a total of more than 1.1 million international visitors. Of these, the report showed, more than 60 per cent came from African countries, highlighting the country’s growing popularity as a destination within the continent.

Furthermore, 47.5 per cent of the visitors came for business purposes, reflecting Rwanda’s positioning as a hub for business activities, it added.

For More News And Analysis About Rwanda Follow Africa-Press

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Rwanda: Tourists to Rwanda Nearly Triple in Two Years

Efforts invested in recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and doubling the fleet for RwandAir almost tripled tourists coming to Rwanda within two years.

Speaking during the National Dialogue- Umushyikirano , on January 23, 2024, Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente said the number of tourists to Rwanda increased from 521,000 in 2021 to 1.4 million in 2023.

"RwandAir resumed flights after Covid-19 pandemic and opened new routes to different destinations including Paris, London, Doha, and others. RwandAir also launched services to transport cargo. This played a big role in increasing visitors coming to Rwanda, after Covid-19 pandemic, from 521,000 in 2021 to 1.4 million tourists as of September last year [2023]. This was a drastic increase within 18 months," he said.

"Government will continue to invest in RwandAir to improve its operations and increase its capacity," Ngirente said.

The national carrier expects to double its fleet to 25 planes over the next five years to better connect underserved markets in Africa and boost the continent's reach to global destinations, including the Middle East.

Ngirente said that with the aim to boost the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, Rwanda hosted big international events such as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2022, FIFA Congress, Women Deliver Conference, and others.

"In partnership with the private sector, the government will continue to increase infrastructure to boost tourism and facilitate hosting of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) events in the efficient way you [President Kagame] have requested of us," he added.

As revealed by Frank Murangwa, Director of Destination Marketing at Rwanda Convention Bureau, in 2023, Rwanda generated a record $91 million from 157 summits and events that attracted over 67,000 delegates.

The impressive feat not only underscores the sector's post-pandemic recovery but also positions it as a pivotal force propelling Rwanda towards sustained economic development.

The sector contributed $64 million to the economy in 2022, making last year's performance a significant leap forward.

Rwanda generated $247 million from tourism in the first half of 2023, a 56 per cent increase compared to $158 million in the same period in 2022.

Read the original article on New Times .

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Rwanda's economy, tourism shine in Africa wealth report 2023

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Rwanda Economic Update, February 2023 : Making the most of Nature Based Tourism in Rwanda

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Rwanda reports 120% increase in leisure tourism in 2023

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• Rwanda records 50 pct jump in investments in 2023

KIGALI, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda recorded a 50 percent increase in investments in 2023, up from 1.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2022 to 2.4 billion dollars last year, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has said.

The new investments are expected to generate 40,198 jobs, according to an annual report released Wednesday by the RDB, a government institution mandated to accelerate the country's economic development by enabling private sector growth.

"In 2023, Rwanda demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication amidst global challenges," RDB Chief Executive Officer Francis Gatare said in a statement. "Throughout the year, we prioritized investment in key sectors like the green economy, infrastructure, ICT (information and communications technology), health, and conservation to foster inclusive growth and resilience."

He noted major achievements, such as the inauguration of groundbreaking facilities like the BioNTech mRNA vaccine facility and IRCAD (Research Institute against Digestive Cancer) Africa, which position Rwanda as a hub for innovation and excellence.

"This achievement solidifies Rwanda's position as a premier tourism destination. Looking ahead, Rwanda's focus on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity promises even greater potential for economic prosperity and opportunity," Gatare said.

Tourism revenues surpassed 500 million dollars for the first time, reaching 620 million dollars, generated from receiving more than 1.4 million visitors, according to the RDB report.

Total revenues from the export of goods and services amounted to 3.5 billion dollars, up from 2.9 billion dollars recorded in 2022.

The top 10 exported products in 2023 were unwrought gold (including gold-plated with platinum), zirconium ore, tin ore, tungsten ore, cement, malt extract, wheat or meslin flour, cereal flours, coffee, and tea, the RDB said.

To enhance the ease of doing business, the RDB One-Stop Center was expanded in 2023 and now hosts over 20 government institutions, offering more than 440 services essential for business and import/export operations in Rwanda, according to the report.

Rwanda's economy grew 8.2 percent in 2023, higher than the initially projected rate of 6.2 percent, according to National Bank of Rwanda figures released in March. Enditem

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If 300 people are sent to Rwanda it would cost £2 million per person

If more people are sent, the cost per person would fall.

The Labour Party has said that the Government plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda will cost £2 million per person.

In a video posted on social media site X, the party listed a series of things that it said “would cost you, the British taxpayer, less than the £2 million it’s going to cost you to send one asylum seeker to Rwanda. Do you think that’s a good use of your money?”

Labour’s shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock has said : “It will cost the UK Government £570m to send 300 people to Rwanda. That’s almost £2m per person.”

Evaluation: Mostly true

If 300 people, or a little more than 300 people, are sent to Rwanda as part of the plan, then Labour is correct to say that the cost per person will be around £2 million. If the scheme lasts until until the 2026/27 financial year and 300 people are sent the more precise cost per person will be £1.97 million.

The milestone of 300 people is written into the deal that the UK has signed with Rwanda, as it is the level at which the UK needs to pay an extra one-off £120 million to the country.

If a lot more than 300 people are transported in this period, then the cost per person will fall. For instance if 2,000 people are sent to Rwanda the cost per person falls to around £450,074.

These calculations do not, however, take into account money that the scheme could save elsewhere. The Government argues that “illegal migration” could cost the taxpayer £11 billion a year by 2026.

The £2 million figure takes into account one-off payments into a fund to help development in Rwanda. Without those payments the cost per person would be in the hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The claim is based on calculations using figures from a National Audit Office report which was released in early March.

The report breaks down the different costs that the Rwanda policy will entail. Labour’s calculations are based on the costs if 300 people are sent to Rwanda.

The NAO report shows that so far the Government has paid , or is due to pay :

– £120 million in April 2022 – £100 million in April 2023 – £50 million in April 2024 – £50 million in April 2025 – £50 million in April 2026 – £120 million once 300 people have been relocated to Rwanda

These payments to Rwanda will add up to £490 million by the end of the 2026/27 financial year.

The Home Office has so far (February 2024) faced the following costs :

– £2 million in direct staffing costs – £2.3 million in legal fees – £15.3 million in set-up costs for escorting people to Rwanda and providing training facilities

These payments have totalled £19.6 million.

The Home Office expects that in future it will face the following costs :

– £1 million per year in staff costs from 2024/25 – £12.6 million for “training escorts in 2024/25 – £1 million per year in costs relating to escorting from 2024/25 – £8.2 million in escorting costs for the remainder of 2023/24

These payments to Rwanda will add up to £26.8 million by the end of the 2026/27 financial year. This assumes that the £1 million annual costs are also paid in the 2024/25 financial year.

There will also be costs for every person sent to Rwanda: 

– £20,000 paid to Rwanda after each person is relocated – £150,874 for “asylum processing and operational costs … and to provide an integration package.” This is paid in instalments over five years. – £11,000 for flights (including chartering and fuel)

This adds up to £181,874 per person, or a combined £54,562,200 (£54.6 million) if 300 people are sent to Rwanda.

This means that all cost categories added together will be: 

£490 million + £19.6 million + £26.8 million + £54,562,200 (for 300 people) = £590,962,200.

In correspondence with the PA news agency, Labour said that it had not included the two £1 million annual costs in its calculations, nor had it included the £8.2 million in future escorting costs, leaving it with a slightly lower total figure of around £576.8 million.

How much would this cost per person? 

Divided by 300 people, this would cost £1,969,874 per person, or just under £2 million.

If one assumes 2,000 people are sent, the total cost per person will increase to around £363.7 million, which takes total overall costs to around £900.1 million. When divided by 2,000, that leaves an overall per-person cost of £450,074.

The more people that are sent, the more the overall per-person cost reduces.

What does the Government say? 

“Illegal migration could cost British taxpayer reach up to £11 billion per year by 2026,” the Home Office said in correspondence with the PA news agency.

If the Rwanda plan acts as a deterrent, as the Government hopes, some of this money could be saved, potentially making up for the cost of the Rwanda scheme.

“It is right that we explore bold and novel solutions, such as our partnership with Rwanda, to put an end to this,” the Home Office added.

The £2 million figure per person includes payments to the Economic Transformation and Integration Fund (ETIF), which is earmarked to support Rwanda’s economic growth.

The ETIF payments form part of the UK’s Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda.

The Home Office does not classify the ETIF payments as overseas development assistance (ODA) as to do that the main objective of the payments needs to be funding the development and welfare of the recipient country.

The National Audit Office said: “As the partnership focuses on the relocation to Rwanda of people whose asylum claims are not being considered by the UK, the Home Office concluded that the payments into the ETIF are unlikely to be eligible as ODA.”

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What Is the Rwanda Deportation Deal Costing UK Tax Payers?

Rwanda deal.

Rwanda could receive almost half a billion pounds from London as part of the deportation agreement. This is according to a report by the National Audit Office. In return, the country must accept 300 asylum seekers from the British government. This sum is made up of annual payments totaling £370 million and a further £120 million once 300 people have been resettled. In addition, a further £20,000 is due per person and up to £151,000 depending on the length of stay. On top of this, there is a larger sum in the tens of millions for personnel and deportation costs.

All in all, according to the Guardian , the costs per deportation could amount to up to £1.8 million. According to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the first deportation flights could take off in ten to twelve weeks. His government had promised voters that it would stop immigration across the English Channel. However, it seems doubtful that the Rwanda plan will help. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, 4,600 boat refugees were registered, compared to almost 30,000 last year.

In addition to the costs of the Rwanda deal, critics are concerned about the extent to which the plan is compatible with human rights . The Supreme Court in London temporarily halted the deportation agreement because it did not believe it ensured that deportees in Rwanda would receive a fair asylum procedure. In answer to this, Sunak had the East African country declared a 'safe third country' by law.

Read the original version of this text in German here .

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This chart shows the payments by the United Kingdom to Rwanda under the deportation agreement.

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