Innovation in the agriculture sector, the tourism sector’s potential, and the efforts to ensure sustainability emerged as a stand-out attractions drawing more than 20,000 visitors to the Rwanda pavilion at Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar. Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente joined global leaders in October 2023 for the opening ceremony of the 2023 International Horticultural Exposition, or Expo 2023, an international horticultural expo hosted by Doha, Qatar, from October 2, 2023 until March 28, 2024. The Rwanda pavilion, according to media reports, garnered widespread acclaim, with its coffee shop proving to be a particular highlight. The pavilion stands out as a must-visit destination within the Expo grounds. According to Jatin Uppadhyay, head of the Rwanda Tourism Chamber, in Kigali, Rwanda’s offerings continue to attract huge numbers which is very important for the tourism sector. “Visibility is one thing but leadership is also a plus. Of course, we can't deny the challenges that we continue to face, especially in diversifying our products even further. Our country is not only small in size, but we also don't see partnerships among industry players, which is costly,” he told The New Times. “The call is to foster such synergies, where industry players partner amongst themselves so that they can offer what others don't have. There is an urgent need to focus on what we have and maximize its potential so that we can be able to promote the Visit Rwanda brand.” The Rwanda pavilion at Expo 2023 Doha was one of the first pavilions to open in the International Zone. “We showcase a range of things including Rwanda’s developments in technology, innovation, agriculture, as a destination for tourism, various kinds of products, handcrafts, coffee, tea, and several others,” the Manager of Rwanda’s Pavilion at Expo 23 Doha, told The Peninsula, an English language daily newspaper published from Doha, on Monday, February 12. As noted, the Rwanda pavilion welcomes visitors through a grand entrance, with screens around the pavilion letting visitors learn the stories, culture, and heritage of Rwandan people, and watch the rapid pace at which the country developed. ALSO READ: Top six buyers of Rwanda's popular tea At the expo, the pavilion offers to learn more about the gorilla trekking experience and showcases the Rwandan government’s commitment to environmental preservation through its green initiatives. “It also promotes Rwanda as an ideal destination for investment and business.” ALSO READ: How Rwanda will benefit from Nyungwe forest's UNESCO World Heritage List In September 2023, Nyungwe National Park was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, becoming the first site to get the UN agency’s coveted status. In Doha, visitors can also enjoy a respite at the Rwanda cafe, savoring its renowned local coffee, recognized among the world’s finest blends. The cafe ‘Rwanda Coffee- A Second Sunrise’ is specially designed to introduce the country’s coffee and tea to people in Qatar and visitors to Expo 2023 Doha.
