Editor,

RE: "Tourism players welcome WEF report with hope” (The New Times, April 15).

What could have been more satisfying, on a Saturday morning, after just concluding the official week long commemoration of one of the worst genocides in the history of mankind, than to read that Rwanda is the 9th safest country in the world.

Yes, Remarkable Rwanda will continue to inspire the world and prove to all nations that the country has bounced back, despite the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which reduced the country to shambles.

I am reminded of the words of friends and relatives warning me before my first ever trip to Rwanda to have "two bodyguards” and "to beware of being killed”, yet today, Rwanda proudly stands among the top 10 safest countries of the world.

This in itself is a major achievement made possible under the astute leadership and able guidance of President Paul Kagame, together with a team of dedicated ministers and government officials.

The sense of commitment and the resilience of the people of Rwanda has enabled the country to achieve this enviable position in terms of safety and security.

But Remarkable Rwanda shines not only when it comes to safety and security.

The country is well known for good governance, ease of doing business and zero tolerance to corruption.

All these factors contribute towards making this great nation the preferred tourism destination, be it for leisure travel, business travel, MICE  (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) or even religious tourism with a unique product—the Holy Land of Kibeho.

Clarence Fernandes