President Paul Kagame says government will continue to invest in the hospitality sector, both to drive economic growth and preserve Rwandas unique natural attractions for generations to come. Kagame said that this will particularly ensure that Rwanda remains a choice of destination for visitors at a time the country looks to revive the tourism and hospitality sectors affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Head of State was speaking on Friday during the annual Kwita Izina Ceremony, the 17th edition of the gorilla naming ceremony. In his remarks, Kagame hailed the country’s conservation efforts and everyone involved, pointing out that the success of gorilla conservation in Rwanda shows the good that can be achieved through active Community participation and the right partnerships. “I wish to thank for collaborators, in Rwanda and around the world, for sustaining this excellent work over the years,” Although the pandemic affected the way Rwandans celebrate the day, Kagame said he was happy to see so many partners and friends joining Rwandans virtually to continue this tradition. He also pointed out that much as there has been a drop in the number of visitors across Rwanda, the important work of conservation did not stop, citing the tourism revenue sharing program as an example. For instance, Kagame said, the programme in which the government invests 10 percent of the tourism revenues in the communities surrounding the parks, continues to finance valuable projects in the society. Safe and inviting destination Kagame told participants that the objective is to ensure that Rwanda remains a safe and inviting destination. Among others, he highlighted, “We are testing and vaccinating as many people as possible to ensure that both Rwandans and visitors stay healthy. The event saw a total of 24 baby gorillas given names. Namers included global football stars, artistes, celebrities, diplomats and individuals who have made enormous contributions in their respective societies, christening the new born babies. “We are proud that the gorillas are safe and healthy and that we have continued to implement the tourism revenue sharing program, despite the challenges faced,” said Ariella Kageruka, Ag. Chief Tourism Officer at Rwanda Development Board (RDB). To ensure a robust recovery, she said that the government has put place a number of initiatives. Among other initiatives include prioritizing new revenue streams that fund conservation and also look to diversify the tourism experiences the country has to offer through new exciting opportunities for investment and innovation by the private sector. Another success of the year, she said was the development to expand the partnership with the African Parks Network (APN) to manage and conserve Nyungwe and Akagera National Parks, with the latter getting restocked with different animal species including lions. Kageruka also said that plans to expand Volcanoes National Park are progressing well, with an inviting call to the investors. Named after a Rwandan tradition of baby naming, Kwita Izina is a flagship event on the country’s tourism calendar and it has been annually held since 2005 The event aims at emphasizing the importance of the conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas and also recognise the role of those who dedicate their time to conserve them
