Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Centre has received an executive safety and security certification by an independent hotel safety and security certification company, Safehotels.

The certification comes after an evaluation and proof that the hotel has developed and implemented safety and security policies, standards and procedures.

Safehotels works with and is recognised by travel industry associations, travel management companies and organisations such as the International Congress and Convention Association and United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

This is Rwanda’s first and third in Africa to receive the certification.

Denis J. Dernault Complex General Manager said that safety and security is increasingly becoming a concern by international clients hence the need for the certification.

"We are very proud to be the first hotel in Rwanda and third in Africa to attain Executive Level of Certification by Safehotels Alliance. Safety and security of our guests are of utmost importance and ensuring that relevant measures are put in place, and staff are continually trained to respond as per set standards in the event of an emergency; remains to be our priority. For the modern-day traveller, one of the most important factors influencing travel plans is safety and security. We trust that this certification provides guests, travel arrangers, and event planners a guarantee to our commitment to providing outstanding safety and security practices,” he said.

The process to get the certification requires a hotel to  meet about  200 global hotel security standard elements such as  hotel property safety,  training and organisation, security equipment, fire equipment and crisis management.

With the development expected to further raise the profile of the Convention Centre, which is the second most popular destination in Africa for international meetings and events by International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

Last year, Kigali hosted 26 association meetings. The association meetings organised by Rwanda included several high-level conferences such the 4th Gender Summit that was held in March, the Mo Ibrahim Governance Weekend, the GSMA Mobile 360 Series Africa, the meeting of the African Society of Human Genetics, the Africa Smart Grid Forum, and the International Conference on Family Planning.

Meeting Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions tourism contributed $56 million in 2018, and is expected to generate up to $88 million in 2019.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com