Rwanda, the “land of thousand hills”, is full of tourist attractions. Rwanda’s tourism sector plays an important role in its economy. The country is famous for its stunning natural beauty. It is also committed to sustainable tourism practices. Rwanda’s tourism sector has been a profitable sector for the economy by creating jobs and earning foreign exchange. 

In 2023, Rwanda’s tourism revenue surpassed $500 million for the first time. More than 1.4 million tourists visited Rwanda from which the tourism sector generated $620 million. This shows Rwanda’s friendly environment for investment as a top tourism destination. This article will discuss the top reasons to invest in Tourism in Rwanda.

Foreign visitors to Rwanda spent almost twice as much over the years. The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) conducted “Travel Expenditure Survey 2023”. It stated that spending increased from $338.1 million in 2015 to $563.9 million in 2023. According to the NISR survey, foreign visitors in Rwanda spent over Rwf753.8 billion in 2023.

The spending breakdown shows that 24% of the money came from business travelers. It shows what visitors spent on goods and services during their stay. Domestic and international visitor spending in the Rwandan economy directly contributed US$400 million to Rwandan GDP. It supported a US$1.0 billion total impact including indirect and induced.

Rwandans traveling abroad were also surveyed. It reports that they spent $355.2 million. Notably, 78.1% of the expenditure by foreign visitors in Rwanda came from air travelers. 57.7% of the spending by Rwandans abroad was also attributed to air travel.

The survey highlighted a significant increase in the number of visitors to Rwanda. Around 521,000 people visited Rwanda in 2021 which grew to 1.4 million in 2023. This shows the country’s growing appeal as a travel destination.

Rwanda’s economy continued strong growth in the first half of 2024. After growing by an average of 8.2% in 2022-2023, real GDP increased by 9.7% in the first half of 2024. GDP growth is expected to maintain momentum in 2025–26, with a projected average of 7.7%, thanks to a recovery in global tourism, new construction projects, and manufacturing activities. Rwanda’s GDP grew by an average of 2% yearly from 2018 to 2023, with stable inflation and exchange rates. Rwanda’s growth rate is higher than the average for the continent. It is one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa over the last ten years.

Employment in Rwanda directly supported by the travel and tourism industry reached more than 120,000 jobs in 2019. Total employment related to tourism was measured at 338,000 jobs in 2019. Total employment supported by tourism doubled between 2010 and 2019, an annualized rate of 8.1%.

The recent performance of Rwanda according to WTT Competitiveness Index Rankings Rwanda is 1st in sustainability of Tourism and Travel Industry,  2nd in ease of hiring labor, 3 on time to start a business, 4th on attitude of population towards foreign visitors, 8th in environmental sustainability.

• Rwanda’s crime rate is low ensuring security for its residents and visitors. It contributes to stability in the country.
• Rwanda has made significant progress in political stability and economic development. It is now a model for recovery after years of conflict. The government is dedicated to promoting peace, security, and economic growth.
• Rwanda supports tourism as an important part of economic diversification. The government offers incentives to attract investors in the tourism sector. Efforts to build a sustainable tourism sector in Rwanda began with the first tourism plan in 2006. Later another one was approved in 2010.
• The Tourism Policy 2010 helps to increase revenue figures. It supports boosting tax income and improving the country’s balance of payments for sustainable economic growth. 
• In 2010, the Ministry of Lands and Environment approved a 30-mile forest corridor connecting Gishwati to Nyungwe National Park. The forest now covers 3,665 acres. The authorities aimed to cover 30% of the country with forests by 2020. They continued planting many trees. Supportive government policies like this make it easier to invest in tourism.
• Rwanda is developing its infrastructure, including better roads, airports, and communication networks. This helps support the growth of tourism in the country. The national airline, RwandAir, improves connectivity for international tourists.
• Rwanda’s judicial system is transparent. Effective law enforcement helps promote fairness and justice in the country.

• Rwanda has access to a market of about 80 million people nearby. It also connects to African and global markets through strong free trade agreements like EAC, COMESA, and AFCFTA. The country has good air connectivity with direct flights to Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. An airport costing $1 billion is currently under construction. This will further improve Rwanda’s transport options.
• Growing International Recognition and Marketing:
  Rwanda is gaining recognition as a tourist destination worldwide. Events like the Annual Kwita Izina (gorilla naming ceremony) draw global media attention. They help promote Rwanda as a top ecotourism spot.
• The country uses social media and digital marketing as tools to promote tourism. These efforts showcase its attractions and experiences to potential visitors. Between 2014 and 2019, digital content drove an 8% net increase in the tourism economy.
• Rwanda’s reputation has improved due to increased international partnerships with tourism agencies. These collaborations help Rwanda stand out in the global market.
• As more people learn about Rwanda, the potential for tourism investment is significant. This growth offers many opportunities for investors.

Figure: Visits to Rwanda’s National Parks, 1974–2008

Rwanda has no restrictions on foreign ownership and offers attractive tax incentives. The country promotes an inclusive economic growth model focusing on gender equality, youth empowerment, and climate resilience. The Rwandan government aims to have the most double taxation avoidance agreements (DTAA) in Africa and beyond. So far, Rwanda has signed agreements with countries like Morocco, Mauritius, South Africa, Belgium, Qatar, and Singapore. These agreements help attract more foreign investment.

Rwanda is known worldwide for its commitment to sustainable tourism. The government focuses on eco-friendly initiatives that help conservation and benefit local communities. This dedication is reflected in the country’s tourism strategy. It emphasizes responsible tourism that reduces environmental impact. 

Investors in Rwanda’s tourism sector focus on sustainable practices to attract eco-conscious travelers. Eco-lodges and community-based tourism projects provide unique experiences while helping preserve natural resources. These projects support the well-being of local communities. By investing in sustainable tourism, businesses can tap into the growing market of eco-tourists. This approach benefits both the companies and Rwanda’s conservation efforts.

The potential for growth in Rwanda’s tourism sector is vast. Increasing international recognition, improved infrastructure, and their focus on eco-friendly tourism make Rwanda an attractive investment destination for investors. For investors, this is more than just a business opportunity – it’s a chance to be part of something meaningful and sustainable. 

Investors can help shape the future of tourism in Rwanda while benefiting from a growing industry. There are many opportunities in eco-lodges, cultural experiences, and adventure tourism. With the right strategy and active engagement, there’s no doubt that Rwanda’s time to shine has truly arrived. So, what are you waiting for? Click here to discover more about the TOP 5 Tourist Attractions in Rwanda to Invest.