Rwandans have a key role to play in promoting tourism

Editor, RE: “Rwanda tourism gets top billing in Dutch fair” (The New Times, January 13). This is a commendable move. At the end of 2016, I and family had a 14-day visit to Rwanda for holidays and rejoicing with our families after a long year without seeing one another. We came with newlywed lovebirds who planned to enjoy their honeymoon in Rwanda. While here, the newlyweds needed my guidance to know where they should tour while in Rwanda. Despite not being familiar with my country’s touristic sites, I ended up telling them that Gisenyi is like a paradise on Earth, and that they should consider visiting gorillas in the Virunga Park, as well as the King’s Palace in Nyanza. I was able to do that simply because I read a lot about Rwanda and follow up on daily events in the country. I think that Rwanda Development Board can do more to tap from people from neighbouring countries who visit Rwanda every now and then. There should be publications at every border post given to people who enter/exit the country which I believe will not only lure them to touristic destinations in the country, but also make them sort of ambassadors to the country’s tourism sector. As it stands now, people visit one point as a result of word of mouth from their friends, not because I believe there are not enough efforts on the part of the Government. My friends spent their two nights at Kivu Serena Hotel, and two nights in Kigali. They are now praising Rwanda. While walking on unplanned, unpaved and dirt streets has become a norm in Africa, the newlyweds were shocked to see spotless streets with working light poles everywhere in Rwanda. At the Kigali International Airport, they observed that the whole facility is fenced. Upon arriving back in their country, the groom called us and told that he’s still mesmerized. Yulian *********************** Dear Yulian, thank you for the role played in being a marketer of your country. For your information, effective February 2016 Rwanda through RDB will have tourism information desks at key borders, such as Cyanika (Burera), Poids Lourd (Rubavu) border, Rusizi I and Kagitumba (Nyagatare). Other borders as well will have the same services soon like Gatuna that is under renovation. The other concern of you not knowing some areas in Rwanda, it is by far a general problem but soon this as well will be a story of the past. Through the Tembera u Rwanda campaign, that RDB launched late September, Rwandans for 3 months were given an insight domestic tourism, into participants were treated to a spectacular tourism menu that this gem of Africa has—from the heritage corridor (Huye-Nyanza-Ruhango-Muhanga-Kamonyi) to the thick forest of Nyungwe, then finally to Rubavu. Particulary Nyungwe is becoming a destination for the locals due to its tremendous experiences that it boasts. RDB has tourist maps that are offered for free of charge for those willing to know and understand Rwanda as a destination. These can orient you to read more and get a glimpse of what to expect prior to the visit of your choice—from remarkable cultural experiences to birding, nature walks and trails, scenic viewing and water sports, to mention but a few. Keep the spirit of promoting your country within and outside; it is a sign of patriotism that we have to have as Rwandans. Viva Remarkable Rwanda. Khassim Bizimungu

Opinions

Rwandans have a key role to play in promoting tourism