For Rwanda tourism, the sky is the limit

Editor, RE: “Rwanda tourism gets top billing in Dutch fair” (The New Times, January 13). It is very encouraging to see Rwanda Tourism; the Embassy of Rwanda and Private Sector Federation players participate in the ongoing Dutch fair. Such initiatives will surely make Rwanda a much sought after tourism destination. Of course, the country offers very much more than just hills and lakes, what with the mountain gorillas, canopy walk, game reserve, adventure, culture, history, MICE and even religious tourism. Please allow me to share with your esteemed readers, particularly those from the travel, tourism and hospitality sector, and also all concerned government agencies, that India’s largest travel and tourism fair, TTF/OTM, is slated to take place at the Expo Grounds in Mumbai on February 21-23, 2017. India’s outbound travel market is growing at a phenomenal pace. Rwanda would do well to participate at Outbound Travel Market and get a fair share of the pie. It is a well-known fact that Indian visitors are among the highest spenders in the world. This has been endorsed by several international tourism boards present in this country. We invite travel companies to come and showcase their products and services. As David Mugisha of Wildlife Tours Rwanda remarked, “It is about confidence building because when they see us and we speak to them, they get it all from the horse’s mouth. The return on investment is high”. Another new product being introduced this year at the Mumbai fair will be the Medical Tourism and Wellness Seminar. Incredible India beacons industry partners from Rwanda, more so now, since RwandAir will finally start direct flights into Mumbai from April this year. Clarence Fernandes

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For Rwanda tourism, the sky is the limit