Rwanda’s Tourism Revenue Hits $647M in 2024, Targets $700M Boost with New Attractions and Global Events

Rwanda’s tourism industry generated $647 million (approx. Rwf923 billion) in revenue in 2024, marking a 4.3 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)’s annual report. The steady growth is attributed to the country’s robust efforts to position itself as a prime destination for nature, culture, and international events.

Leading the revenue surge was gorilla tourism, which earned $200 million—a significant 27 percent rise from the previous year. Other segments such as education tourism and visits from friends and relatives (VFR) also saw gains of 16 percent and 5 percent, respectively.

RDB reported that Rwanda welcomed more than 1.3 million international visitors in 2024, with the majority coming from East African Community (EAC) member states. In addition, 95 new tourism entities were licensed over the year.

Looking ahead, RDB Chief Executive Officer Jean Guy Afrika emphasized the country’s ambition to surpass the $700 million revenue mark in 2025. “In line with our goal of elevating Rwanda’s international profile, we eagerly anticipate hosting landmark events such as the 20th Kwita Izina celebration and the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, both set to spotlight Rwanda’s hospitality and tourism sectors on the global stage,” Afrika said.

The 20th edition of Kwita Izina, a traditional ceremony for naming newborn mountain gorillas, had been scheduled for September 2024 but was postponed due to the Marburg virus outbreak, which Rwanda has since successfully contained.

Afrika also revealed ongoing efforts to boost conservation-driven tourism, including the planned translocation of 70 white rhinos to Akagera National Park.

National Parks See Uptick in Visitors

Rwanda’s three national parks recorded a combined 10.7 percent increase in tourist arrivals, reaching 138,000 visitors. This drove revenues up by 8.5 percent to $38.8 million. Nyungwe National Park led the growth with a 20 percent rise in visits, followed by Volcanoes National Park at 11.3 percent and Akagera National Park at 6.8 percent.

Domestic tourism held steady with revenues of $793,000, and local visitor numbers rose to 54,800. Through its tourism revenue-sharing program, RDB funded 105 community projects worth over Rwf3.2 billion. These projects targeted sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, enterprise development, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.

New tourism experiences introduced in 2024 include the Virunga Mountain Spirit Agro-Tourism Experience, featuring a vodka distillery in Kinigi; the luxury Bisate Reserve eco-tourism facility in Musanze; and the upgraded Karenge Camp in Akagera National Park. Nyungwe National Park is also set to welcome a new eco-lodge, Munazi Lodge, and a 1,850-meter-long zipline expected to launch in March 2025.

As part of the expansion of Volcanoes National Park, the government secured World Bank funding to construct a smart green village on 50 hectares, aimed at relocating 510 households in the first phase. The broader plan includes expanding the park by 3,740 hectares and establishing a 6,000-hectare buffer zone, ultimately benefiting 3,400 households.

MICE Sector Maintains Momentum Despite Challenges

Rwanda’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector generated $84.8 million in 2024, down from $95 million in 2023. However, the country successfully hosted 115 high-profile events, welcoming 52,315 delegates throughout the year.

Among the standout events were the Africa CEO Forum, the BAL Playoffs and Finals, and the FIA Awards, which were held on African soil for the first time in their 120-year history.

Celestin Makuza, CEO of Events Factory Rwanda, noted that despite the disruption caused by the Marburg virus outbreak, the year remained productive. “We see a rebound this year [2025], and most of the events that were supposed to take place during that time were postponed to this year. We see a lot of interest for our destination this year, and we hope the trend continues,” he said.

Rwanda continues to shine on the continental stage for business tourism. Kigali has consistently ranked among Africa’s top cities for international conferences, earning the second spot on the continent multiple times in rankings by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

As Rwanda gears up for a packed calendar in 2025, the country’s tourism prospects appear increasingly bright.