The tourism revenue sharing programme funded 105 community projects in 2024, with a total investment of over Rwf3.27 billion, according to Rwanda Development Board (RDB). The projects were in areas including agriculture, infrastructure, equipment provision, human–wildlife conflict management, and enterprise development.

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According to RDB, 43.1% of the revenue was allocated to agricultural projects, and 41% to infrastructure, 10.5% to equipment, 2.9% to human–wildlife conflict management, and 1.9% to enterprise initiatives.

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Launched in 2005, the tourism revenue-sharing scheme aims to reduce poaching in Rwanda's national parks and improve the living conditions of neighbouring communities by offering sustainable livelihood alternatives. The conservation strategy started with 5% of all tourism revenues going back to communities neighbouring national game parks.

The initiative currently allocates 10% of annual tourism revenues from national parks to support nearby communities, helping foster local development and prosperity. In the 2023/24 financial year, as part of this initiative, Musanze District received Rwf381 million, Rubavu District received Rwf95 million, Rutsiro District received Rwf327 million, and Ngororero District received Rwf163 million—all generated from tourism revenues.

Other districts, including Burera, Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, Rusizi, and Nyabihu, also received varying levels of support.

Since the inception of the programme, more than Rwf10 billion has been invested in over 1,000 community-based projects surrounding Akagera, Nyungwe, Volcanoes, and Gishwati–Mukura national parks, according to RDB.

These projects cover a wide range of needs including access to clean drinking water, milk supply systems, health centres, classrooms, agricultural support, livestock farming, and housing, all benefiting local communities.

"The potato seeds collection store has transformed our community. Starting with only six tonnes, today we collect 350 tonnes of potato seeds and employ more than 300 residents,” said Narcisse Karengera, the president of Kamu Cooperative, which received a central hub for storing different potato varieties.

Karengera praised the impact of the tourism revenue sharing programme.

138,000 visitors generated $38.8 million

In 2024, Rwanda’s tourism revenues grew by 4.3% to reach $647 million, driven by a 27% increase in gorilla tourism revenues, which exceeded $200 million, and an 11% rise in air travel.

Despite global economic fluctuations, the tourism sector demonstrated resilience, with Rwanda’s national parks also showing significant progress.

In 2024, visitor numbers rose by 10.7%, while park revenues increased by 8.5%. This growth was led by Nyungwe National Park, which experienced a 20% surge in visitors, followed by Volcanoes National Park with an 11.3% increase, and Akagera National Park with a 6.8% increase.

In total, Rwanda’s national parks welcomed 138,000 visitors in 2024, generating $38.8 million, up from $35.8 million in 2023. Gorilla trekking remains a major draw, with Volcanoes National Park recording a 9.4% increase in visitors.

Local visits rose to 54,800, with domestic park revenues holding steady at $793,000, demonstrating sustained interest among Rwandans in their country’s natural heritage.

"With sustained investment in conservation and tourism experiences, Rwanda’s national parks continue to attract visitors from around the world while strengthening local engagement in eco-tourism,” the RDB report reads.

Protais Niyigaba, the Nyungwe Park Manager, said that tourists will begin using the Nyungwe zipline by the end of June 2025 to attract tourists

"The zipline is an important addition to Nyungwe’s ongoing efforts to diversify its tourism offerings, focusing primarily on products with the potential to attract more domestic tourists as well as East African Community visitors in addition to international travellers,” he said.