Tourism Vital in Image Building

Tourism has played a role in image building in Rwanda. Rwanda has been participating in International Fairs Like WTM in London and ITB in Berlin and New York Adventurers. Rwanda took the fourth position at Berlin fair among 57 African stands in 2005. Although gorilla tourism seems to be the focus, there is a lot to be done as per Rwanda tours. With the structure of Rwanda office of tourism and National parks, a department of community conservation was created to sensitize the communities around the park about importance of national parks both in terms of conservation and tourism.

The Akagera National Park today is one of the popular attractions visited by tourists. The culture and tradition like the traditional wear is more outstanding than even what lies in National parks. Rwandan culture is unique and constitutes a valuable tourists attraction on its own. Its development is definitely an added advantage to Rwanda tours especially the explorers who have been identified as one target segment of the visitors. There is a lot of potential that still exists outside the existing areas ready for tours in Rwanda, that need further improvements like lake activities on lake Kivu, kibuye and Cyangugu. Exploiting the full potential in every province especially the non-traditional sites could complement Akagera National, Park, Parc de Nationale and Nyungwe National Park. This would also stretch to beautiful scenic views like Nasho area, Rusumo waterfalls and many other tourism sites to boost more Rwandan safaris than depending mainly the primate’s safaris in national park.