In a dazzling display of resilience and recovery, Rwanda’s tourism revenues have skyrocketed by a staggering 171.3% in 2022, reaching an awe-inspiring $445 million (equivalent to a jaw-dropping Rwf496 billion). This momentous surge, as reported by the esteemed Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in their annual report, marks an incredible 89.3% rebound from the pre-Covid era. Brace yourself for the excitement as we dive into the remarkable details unveiled on May 3!
What’s the secret behind this extraordinary upswing? Well, prepare to be captivated by the global lifting of Covid-19 travel restrictions and the unrivaled connectivity provided by RwandAir and other airlines, especially through the renowned Kigali International Airport. This dazzling surge in revenue has catapulted Rwanda back into the spotlight as a tantalizing destination for international adventurers.
Prepare to be astounded as we uncover the twists and turns of this thrilling story! Cast your mind back to the pre-pandemic era when Rwanda’s tourism revenues stood tall at a majestic $498 million in 2019. But alas, the calamitous impact of Covid-19 dealt a devastating blow, and the numbers plummeted to a meager $121 million in 2020 – a decline of more than 300%, leaving us all in shock and awe.
But fear not, for our tale takes a mesmerizing turn! In 2022, against all odds, Rwanda embraced over 1.1 million international visitors, painting a vivid picture of triumph over adversity. The enchanting allure of Rwanda has lured more than 60% of these wanderlust-filled explorers from across the African continent itself, solidifying its reputation as a cherished gem within our very own borders.
Hold onto your hats as we uncover the purpose behind these intrepid voyages! A staggering 47.5% of these bold adventurers set foot on Rwandan soil for business purposes, transforming the nation into a buzzing hive of commercial activity. Prepare to be swept away by the electric energy of Rwanda’s emerging status as a thriving business hub.
Eager to share her jubilation, RDB CEO Clare Akamanzi declared, “The path to economic recovery is well on course! In 2022, our relentless pursuit of sustainable economic growth amidst the tumultuous Covid-19 pandemic bore fruit beyond our wildest dreams. The achievements within our cherished tourism sector have left us brimming with satisfaction.”
But that’s not all, my friends, for the adventure continues! Brace yourselves as we explore the astounding triumphs within Rwanda’s mystical national parks. Picture this: 109,800 intrepid souls embarked on wild expeditions within these enchanted lands in 2022 alone, marking an extraordinary surge of 142.4% compared to the previous year. And let’s not forget the crown jewel of Rwandan tourism – gorilla encounters. These majestic encounters generated a staggering $113 million in revenue, surpassing the awe-inspiring performance of 2019 by a remarkable 6%.
But there’s more to this tale of wonder! Rwanda’s commitment to environmental protection, natural resource management, and climate change preparedness has reached new heights. A symphony of accomplishments played out on this grand stage, including the operationalization of the mesmerizing Gishwati-Mukura National Park, the addition of the World Bank as a valued partner for the expansion project of Volcanoes National Park, and the majestic inauguration of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, a tribute to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
And as if that weren’t enough, prepare for the grand finale! Witness the grand alliance between RDB and Mandai Park Development, a distinguished private company from Singapore. Their partnership shall birth the awe-inspiring Nyungwe national park luxury virtual tour.
