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How Rwanda Made it to the Top 100 Green Destinations List

When Greg Bakunzi submitted the Volcanoes National Park to this year’s Sustainable Destinations Top 100 competition, it was just another fishing expedition for the Amahoro Tours man. He was not certain his reluctant efforts would actually earn his country a place among the world’s top 100 green destinations.

During the selection process, applications were rated basing on nature and scenery, environment and climate, culture and tradition, people and hospitality, as well as sustainable destination management. The winners of this year’s green label were recognised at the two-day Global Green Destination Day (GGDD) international conference, which took place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on September 27-28.

Mr Bakunzi nailed it for Rwanda after a brilliant presentation of Rwanda’s monthly community work that is locally known as Umuganda, the country’s ban on plastic bags, as well as the sustainable management of the Volcanoes National Park, the last of which he effortlessly proved with evidence of the rising numbers of the critically endangered mountain gorillas.

Kodak moment: Greg Bakunzi pauses for a picture with Eva Stravs Podlogar, Slovenia’s Economic Development and Technology State Secretary

“The government decided to limit the number of visitors to a maximum of eight permits per gorilla group each day in order to reduce stress on the apes and create a more sustainable activity. Furthermore, part of the revenue collected from tourists goes to the local communities surrounding the park,” competition organisers noted.

Mr Bakunzi also rattled off about how, over the past few years, the number of tourists to the country has increased significantly due to Rwanda’s efforts towards responsible and green tourism.

“In total, 154 applications were received but only 97 were recognised and out of these only nine were African destinations,” says Bakunzi, who flew to Slovenia to pick up the coveted certificate on behalf of his country.

But what does this recognition mean for Rwanda? “Rwanda being among the winners means that our country is now on the map as one of the greenest and most sustainable destinations in the world,” he says. “This will not only play a major role in increasing the number of tourists visiting Rwanda, but the recognition will also enhance foreign direct investments in the country’s tourism sector.”

Apart from Rwanda, five more countries from Africa were recognised this year, including South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Nigeria.

The annual Sustainable Destinations Top 100 competition is an initiative of Green Destinations, Travelmole’s Vision on Sustainable Tourism and the Destination Stewardship Centre.

Scientific tourism: Dr Kinani’s new initiative to boost Rwanda’s tourism

Today, Rwanda joins the rest of the world to celebrate World Tourism Day. And with almost 1.2 billion people travelling abroad every year, this industry has become a powerful economic sector and a passport to peace and posterity, plus a transformative force improving millions of lives.

In Rwanda, different sector players have come on board to find innovative ways through which tourism can be enhanced. While the country’s flagship tourism attraction remains gorilla trekking, it’s instructive that there are some organisations that now look beyond mountain gorillas and have turned their focus on other strategies of marketing the country to tourists.

Globally, scientific tourism is not a new phenomenon. However, few people in the country have heard about it, and now one organisation called One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC), with its newest initiative Gorilla Health project, has put itself at the forefront of promoting scientific tourism.

Dr Jean Felix Kinani, the founder and executive director of OHAC, explains that the new initiative is focused on supporting integrated conservation of non-human primates through monitoring, interventions, capacity building, research and raising awareness.

“We provide for tourist and visitors a one-hour power point presentation focusing on our work in conservation and especially the care of the famous mountain gorillas that reside in the Virunga Massif,” he explains.

Science tourism is a travel topic grouping scientific attractions. It covers interests in visiting and exploring not only scientific landmarks, including museums, laboratories, observatories and universities, but also in site research and findings.

Rwanda is rich in stunning attractions and incredible sites where such innovative solutions to tourism can easily find a home. For example, the Museum of Rwanda, based in the capital city Kigali, is a repertoire of cultural artefacts where the country’s rich cultural and scientific history is preserved.

And ever since the Genocide against the Tutsi that was carried out in 1994, the country has made tremendous progress, particularly in the education sector, and many universities now serve as a sea of opportunities from where science knowledge can be drawn.

The country’s rich flora and fauna can also serve as a bedrock of the science tourism project.
Dr Kinani observes that tourism is a significant branch of science. “People travel to recreate or to learn something new. We would like to bring you to the field where scientific knowledge is preserved and communicated from generation to generation,” he says.

The new product is also focused on sensitising “wildlife friends” on the value of conservation for sustainable tourism activities.

“Our presentations touch different subjects and tourists can ask questions on the subject following their interest within conservation issues,” Dr Kinani explains.

Dr Jean Felix Kinani can be contacted at jfkinani@gmail.com, ohac2004@gmail.com. Twitter: @jfkinani, @ohac_gorilla, @gorillahealth

Rwanda Sets Eyes on More Tourism Investors in 2016

Despite the countries success in the tourism sector for the past years, new tourism investors are yet to be attracted to Rwanda after the host of the Africa hotel investment forum in 2016. The government of Rwanda through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) said that the African hotel investment forum will unite international hotel investors in Africa, tour operators, government officials and other tourism industry experts.

The forum scheduled for 2016 will take place in Kigali Rwanda’s capital with an emphasize on hotel investment and operation in Africa. The Rwanda chief tourism officer at Rwanda development board Mr Yamina Karitanyi said that “We see Africa Hotel International Forum as an exceptional platform to meet many of the most important decision makers and investors, who have the power collectively to influence investment in the hospitality industry in Africa. And also said that they are determined to build a strong relationship and showcase Rwanda as the best place to do business creating chance for local hotel developers to forge partnerships with investors.

There are many tourism adventures to attract travelers in Rwanda such as the mountain gorilla tracking, Chimpanzee/primate treks, bird safaris, wildlife excursions in the forefront in Akagera National park and tours to the genocide memorial sites where memories of the famous human genocide in Africa visible at the various museums for visitors to pick a leaf for the future.

However looking at the beautiful tourism industry of Africa-the sector is accountable for 8.1% GDP and expected to rise to 4.9% every year by 2025 as stated by World tourism and Travel sector. Equally the Rwanda tourism sector continues to grow positioning itself as the leading foreign earner for the country evidenced by the 3% increase in the number of foreign tourist from 2013-14 in Rwanda. These numbers grew from 1.14 million visitors to 1.2 million visitors also accounting for an increase in revenue from $293.4m in 2013 to $303m in 2014.

Above all some hotel projects started as a result of the Africa Hotel International Forum and others are yet to come seeking new opportunities in Africa. Though finding public sector partners who speak the same language as the inventors is a must in order to have a smooth running of new hotel tourism investments in Rwanda.

Lions Return to Akagera National Park

The lions were hypnotized before leaving South Africa for Rwanda. Seven lions including two males and 5 females from South Africa have just been reintroduced into the Akagera National Park. Some lions had been completely decimated about fifteen years ago in this savannah in eastern Rwanda following the war and the genocide against the Tutsis. Another part had been poisoned by cattle breeders who saw these beasts as a threat to their herds.

The 5 lionesses from South Africa were donated by Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and the two by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife of Tembe Elephant Park. Located in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, both are small reserves where surplus big cats are destined to be sent elsewhere like this case of Rwanda for proper management.

In Akagera National Park, the new home of these lions, they have been placed in a 1km² area to the north of the park. This space has been split into two separate enclosures, the perimeter 3m high, with an electrified fence. A water reserve has been set up and the lions will be fed for 3 to 4 days to reproduce their natural feeding pattern. They will then be quarantined for at least 14 days during which they will be continuously monitored before being released into the desert.

These lions were selected based on reproductive potential and their ability to contribute to social cohesion. These lions were captured and held in Bomas in Phinda and in Tembe Elephant Park. On June 29, they were hypnotized and placed in steel containers, and loaded on trucks to OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg in the direction of Kigali.

In addition, these lions are equipped with satellite collars that allow the Akagera park management team to monitor their movements. Another precautionary measure, the fence of the park to not allow wild animals to leave the park. These collars have a life of two years and the park team will have assessed the dynamics and evolution of these lions.

“The return of the lions to Akagera is an important step for the conservation of the park and the country. Restoring the national park to its former state of biodiversity is paramount in the conservation of African parks,” said Peter Fearnhead, African Parks CEO.

“It is important to rehabilitate the park, this return will encourage the natural balance of the ecosystem and improve the tourism product”, said Ambassador Yamina Karitanyi, the head of the directorate of tourism at Rwanda Development. Board.

Last year, as part of the preparations for the reintroduction of the lions, the Akagera Park team carried out an awareness program for the communities living around the park to promote harmonious coexistence with the lions.

Ngoma: Youth vow to Fight Genocide Ideology

Members of Never Again Club -Ngoma on Wednesday, vowed to fight Genocide and its ideology.

The youth made the resolve during their study tour at Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial Site in Kirehe district.

At the site, the students received lessons on the history of Rwanda, how the Genocide was planned and carried out and the role of youth preventing it.

“The youth of today will not give a chance to Genocide and its ideology to infiltrate us. We have the power to change that history and build a new country and future,” said Gaudence Mukansanga, a member of Never Again.

Jean Cedric Ndikumana, also a member of Never Again said the members will sensitize others and participate in nation building by profitably using their energy.

In his address, Cyprien Turatsinze, the coordinator of Never Again Club –Ngoma district commended the youth for their resilience in national building

“The youth promised to lead the way, in challenging the Genocide ideology, divisive thinking and prejudice,” said Turatsinze.

“They see themselves as the pillar for a brighter Rwanda, free of hatred and divisionism” he said.

Never Again Rwanda (NAR) is a human rights and peacebuilding organisation that was founded by three university students in 2002. Guided by a vision of a nation where young people are agents of positive change and work together towards sustainable peace and development, the founding members established NAR to empower young people with opportunities to become active citizens.

Rwanda Targets $860 from tourism

Rwanda has embarked on rehabilitation of Gishwati-Mukura natural reserve with the aim of conserving wildlife that is a major attraction to tourists increasingly visiting the country.

Government is also expected in the next few months to pass the bill into law that will upgrade the natural reserve into a full National park. According to Rwanda Development Board (RDB) which is in charge of tourism, the countrygenerated $ 304.9 from 1,220, 000 tourists in 2014.

Of this, $ 213.43 (70%) was earned from permits paid to see rare mountain gorillas inhabiting the volcanic mountains.

Mukura-Gishwati is a major natural attraction hosting 60 tree species, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, and the mountain monkeys besides a dozen species of East African chimpanzees among others.

Its Located between Rubavu, Rutsiro, Ngororero and Nyabihu, Western part of the country,

Dr. Rose Mukankomeje, the Director General of Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) called for public support in the implementation of the rehabilitation project.

“Success of this project will benefit local communities, Rwanda and the world as a whole,” Dr.Mukankomeje told KT Press.

Rwanda launched the reserve rehabilitation project through public work, umuganda on June 5. The reserve was encroached on by human activities which reduced it from initial size of 250,000

hectares in 1951 to its current 1000 hectares because of resettlement of people, farming, and illegal mining. Human activities at the reserve led to devastating soil erosion within the forests and resulted into severe landslides and floods.

Through the Landscape Approach to Forest Restoration and Conservation (LAFREC), Rwanda will increase tree cover and restore indigenous woodland in deforested areas, according to REMA.

The country expects to limit poaching and other hostile activities in the park through several projects.

“We shall offer livestock population living close to the park,” Emmanuel Mazimpaka, vice mayor for economic affairs in Ngororero district told KT Press. He added that bee keeping will be introduced. Roads and electricity will be extended to the the park area to improve trade. These projects covering the reserve’s buffer zone will be supported by World Bank with a-5 year grant worth$ 9.53 million.

After Mukura-Gishwati reserve is upgraded to a National park status, it will be the Fourth national park after Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park. With this Rwanda expects to hit $ 860 million target in tourism revenue in 2016.

Rwanda Dismisses US Travel Advisory over Congo crisis

Despite the crisis in eastern DR Congo and “two isolated skirmishes”, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) says Rwanda remains one of the safest places for tourists and all other travelers.

The agency has also reassured the business community that it is safe to travel to all parts of Rwanda. The situation in Eastern DRC has resulted in two isolated skirmishes on Rwandan territory which were rapidly contained and border security has been reinforced to prevent recurrence.

“We would like to reassure visitors that it is business as usual at all our tourism destinations,” said Clare Akamanzi, acting CEO of RDB, in a statement on Thursday (December 06).

“Travellers to Rwanda continue to enjoy the magnificent scenery, pleasant climate, rich culture and diverse wildlife in our national parks, including the rare mountain gorillas.”

The US embassy in Kigali released a travel advisory on Monday this week urging Americans to avoid non-essential travel to areas bordering DRC – mainly Rubavu. The US embassy wants Americans to stay away from those areas.

“Pending clarification of the situation, the U.S. Embassy has restricted travel of official Americans to Rubavu District, Volcanoes National Park, the town of Kinigi, and the area to the north and west of Kinigi that abuts Volcanoes National Park Rwanda,” said the Embassy in a statement posted on its site.

All these singled places are some of Rwanda’s most visited sites by tourists because of the gorillas and the well developed hospitality industry. Rubavu, for example, is home to Hotel Serena.

Despite the conflict in eastern DRC that does not seem to go away for years, tourists have flocked to Rwanda year-in-year-out. The country received more than 680,000 visitors last year. A much bigger number is expected to be recorded by end of this year.

RDB’s Akamanzi noted that tourism has been successful over the past years and continues to be Rwanda’s number one foreign exchange earner.

“While ecotourism remains the key attraction for visitors coming to the land of thousand hills, we are working to increase conference and events tourism, a goal that will be facilitated by newly registered hotel investments such as Marriott, Radisson Blu and most recently Sheraton.”

Three Rwanda firms launch promotion for Nigerian travelers

Rwanda’s national carrier RwandAir, Serena Hotel and Thousand Hills Expedition have put together a discounted package for Nigerians planning to travel to Rwanda, in a deal announced Thursday November 15, 2012.

The promotion launched in Lagos, Nigeria, will provide an affordable travel package which is inclusive of what has been described as “out-of-this-world expedition experience and five-star accommodation” in Rwanda.

RwandAir, which now flies five times weekly Kigali-Lagos route in partnership with Serena Hotels, one of the largest hotel chains in East-Africa and Thousand Hills Expedition, leading tourism company in Rwanda, put together the exciting package.

For only US$1,350 per person, Nigerian travelers will get an all inclusive four-night package to experience the beautiful greenlands of Kigali and Gisenyi, a return flight ticket, tour services, meet and greet and return airport transfers, said the firms in a joint statement.

While explaining the travel package at a destination Rwanda promotion seminar for travel agencies in Lagos, RwandAir Nigeria Country Manager, Hafeez Balogun detailed the bouquet of the airline’s offerings which includes numerous discounted fares on all RwandAir destinations.

Balogun said: “RwandAir is one of the fastest growing airlines in the continent giving passengers special treat with young and reliable aircraft fleet.”

“The Lagos-Kigali route is serviced by the new Boeing 737-800NG, the very first on the African continent.”

Denise Benzinge-Omany, Sales & Marketing Manager Kigali Serena Hotel said: “we are focusing on Nigerian travelers not only to use Rwanda as transit point to their final destination, but also for the travelers to have a feel and experience the beautiful natural scenery that our country offers”.

Jacqui M. Sebageni representing Thousand Hills Expeditions at the seminar stated that the travel package is targeted at Nigerian travelers who desire a different kind of vacation from the ordinary as well as feel at home.

At the function, RwandAir also gave away one business class return ticket Lagos/Johannesburg via a raffle draw at the seminar. Olaoye Olubimpe Priscilla of Giovanni Travels and Tour was the lucky winner.

The latest promotion comes after President Paul Kagame completed a two-day high level visit to Nigeria last weekend. The President met Nigerian business leaders and gave a historic lecture at a function hosted by Nigerian Young Professionals.

Following President Kagame’s visit, Nigerian media have been abuzz with articles praising him and lambasting Nigerian politicians and other African leaders. On social networks, there is still a fierce debate about the state of affairs in Nigeria compared to Rwanda. Some have actually suggested that they would like to have a Kagame-like leader for Africa’s most populous country.