In our time, tourism remains one of the leading revenue generating sectors worldwide and Rwanda is no exception. In 2008 alone, the sector raised about US $214m in revenues, making it the country’s number one revenue earner. However it should be noted that as the world progresses, the standards and tastes of tourists also keep growing, meaning that only those countries with enough and affordable facilities to make tourists more comfortable during their stay, remain favourite destinations of tourists. It’s therefore important to note that while countries endowed with abundant touristic features may wish to have as many tourists as possible paying to enjoy the wonders of nature, there is need to sacrifice and invest in the industry before it can earn us more revenue.
In our time, tourism remains one of the leading revenue generating sectors worldwide and Rwanda is no exception. In 2008 alone, the sector raised about US $214m in revenues, making it the country’s number one revenue earner.
However it should be noted that as the world progresses, the standards and tastes of tourists also keep growing, meaning that only those countries with enough and affordable facilities to make tourists more comfortable during their stay, remain favourite destinations of tourists.
It’s therefore important to note that while countries endowed with abundant touristic features may wish to have as many tourists as possible paying to enjoy the wonders of nature, there is need to sacrifice and invest in the industry before it can earn us more revenue.
This can only be done by developing a sustainable long-term growth plan that can be implemented using effective marketing strategies which may involve improving the quality of tourism products the country has to offer and the quality of service delivery.
There is no doubt that Rwanda boasts of some of the most unique features including iconic wildlife attractions unseen anywhere in the world.
Apart from the Gorilla, which remains one of the leading tourist attractions, Rwanda has a greater diversity of primary and secondary attractions, coupled with good climate, which can all serve the purpose of wooing tourists.
Like it has been said over and over, those willing to pay for services are readily available but only a few will do so when the services are not quality.
Much as the strategy depends largely on adequate finances and a greater level of marketing expertise, each one of us has a role to play without necessarily breaking any sweat, especially by being hospitable and friendly to those coming to us.
However as we strive to take the industry to another level, we should put in mind preserving the environment, for it’s the one we owe the features.
It’s also important to develop systems that will ensure that the country remains a leading tourist spot and there is no doubt that the Tourism Master Plan presents the right course to be taken if we are to coin our name on the list of the leading tourist spots, not only on the African continent, but the world over.
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