Tourism is one of the top Foreign Exchange Earner in Rwanda
Following travel receipts in 2006, tourism sector is third forex earner in Rwanda. Speaking during the annual Gorilla Naming event that took place at Kinigi in the northern Province on 30th June, President Paul Kagame said that Tourism Marks a 30% increase from 2005. He added that Air transport; travel agencies, transport sector, banking, restaurants, hotels and the value chain require a fundamental change to become a serious contender in the global tourism industry.
Invited guests who included the US Star Wars Movie Actress Natalie Portman and the Chairman of Rwandatel communications Mr. John Dick who flew in from the US to attend the event named some baby gorillas. A representative from the family of Mr. Steve Irwin, the famous Australian wildlife expert and television personality Nick Named the Crocodile Hunter
Rwanda is one of the three countries where gorilla tourism is done. The mountain gorillas is the world’s most endangered ape found only in small portions of protected afromontane forests in southwestern Uganda, northwestern Rwanda and eastern Congo. The mountain gorillas are one of many species unique to these forests where gorilla safaris and tours are done throughout the globe. The forests are also home to many wonderful birds, primates, large mammals, reptiles, insects and plants hence Primate safaris, wild game, Chimpanzee walks etc. They also ensure continued water and medicinal plant resources for the local communities. The Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund (MGCF) is devoted to the preservation and protection of the highly endangered Mountain Gorillas in Africa, their habitat, and working with the people around the National Parks.
The Akagera 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
