‘Kwita Izina’ nominated for global tourism award

Rwanda’s annual baby gorilla naming event, popularly known as Kwita Izina, has been short-listed among the finalists for the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Ulysses Award for innovation in public policy and governance.“We are delighted for being recognised among top finalists in innovative projects by UNWTO. It is a global recognition of Rwanda‘s leadership in innovative, communities’ focused and sustainable tourism,” Amb. Valentine Rugwabiza, the chief executive of Rwanda Development Board, said.Kwita Izina has seen 173 baby gorillas named in a function that normally takes place at the foot of the chilly Virunga Mountains in Kinigi, Musanze District in Northern Province.Rica Rwigamba, the head of tourism and conservation at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), said the news comes at a time when Rwanda is gearing up for the 10th edition of Kwita Izina.“This recognition is a great opportunity to market Rwanda even further in the tourism industry and, specifically Kwita Izina, as a spectacular event that continues to attract thousands of people,” she said.“I believe it will feature among the important dates of global conservation calendar. We are on the right track and committed to positioning our country as a high end tourist destination that integrates both biodiversity conservation and community development.”The winners will be unveiled during the UNWTO awards ceremony on January 22.The function is organised by the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) and UNWTO.Since 2003, UNWTO has been recognising excellent and innovative tourism initiatives that promote the growth of tourism industry through knowledge and innovation, in line with the principles of the UN global tourism and Millennium Development Goals.Kwita Izina, an annual gorilla naming ceremony, was launched in 2005 to create and raise awareness about the conservation of endangered Mountain Gorillas.Rwanda is home to a third of the world’s remaining 750 of the species.The naming ceremony of newborn baby gorilla is derived from ancient Rwanda traditions where baby naming ceremony was observed after the birth of a newborn.Famous ceremonyThe ceremony’s main goal is to help monitor each gorilla and their groups in their natural habitat.Kwita Izina, marked on international conservation calendar, falls in June and since its inception, international celebrities, conservationists and notable icons have witnessed it.The UNWTO Awards Jury Committee recommended Kwita Izina programme to be among top finalists.Kwita Izina has evolved from a one-day ceremony to a week-long celebration. Along with the main gorilla-naming ceremony, several events take place during the week preceding the naming ceremony, with emphasis on conservation and community welfare activities.In 2013, tourism fetched $217.7 million from January to September, compared to $210.5 million generated in 2012 during the same period.Gorilla tracking is one of the major tourist attractions in Rwanda; with permits costing $750 for foreign tourists and despite the increase from $500 last year, the number of tourists has remained stable.The population of gorillas in the country has increased by 26 per cent since 2005.

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‘Kwita Izina’ nominated for global tourism award