Editor, RE: “Kigali Convention Centre to host June AU Summit” (The New Times, February 3). During my numerous visits to Rwanda over the last few years, I have always noticed the imposing structure near a key roundabout in Kigali. And the thought which always crossed my mind was: “When will this impressive landmark be completed?” I was, therefore, delighted to read in this newspaper that, finally, the one and only “Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali” will be opening in June this year. What better event than the 27th African Union Summit to mark this opening? Yes, Rwandas MICE tourism is now poised for a major leap with the completion of this icon. Around the same time, give or take a few months, the Kigali Marriott, Park Inn by Radisson, and the Kigali Zinc Hotel, will all become operational, adding substantially to the hotel room inventory in the city. The crowning glory, of course, is RwandAirs direct flights into Mumbai, the commercial capital of India. This is expected around September-October 2016. Remarkable Rwanda has already made a mark as a MICE hub. All the additional facilities, which will be made available later this year, will only add to the countrys MICE offerings. It is important to constantly innovate, particularly when it comes to tourism. Indian weddings are yet another segment which will be well accepted in the country. Of course, this calls for active participation of the private sector to supplement the marketing efforts of the Government. Clarence Fernandes
