More than 15 private tourism business owners, private and public institutions were on Friday 26, awarded and recognized for showing resilience in the tourism sector despite challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. Organized by the Rwanda Chamber of Tourism and partners, the 2021 Rwanda Tourism Awards, follows a week-long exhibition that brought together more than 50 tourism businesses and over 100 private exhibitors from the African continent. Speaking at the event Aimable Rutagarama, Chairperson of Rwanda Tourism Chamber lauded the efforts all the businesses have put in during the pandemic, adding that the awards are a recognition of the resilience they have shown. “Our sector was undeniably hit hardest by the pandemic, but many businesses did all they can to survive some even retained as many workers as possible, because tourism is not just about business but a corporate social responsibility as well,” “Although we do not have tangible results to start showing yet, by working together with all our partners we will revive the sector,” he said. Judith Uwimana, Chief Executive Officer of Judith Tours won Best Women Exhibitor, for empowering women in the tourism sector through her company. “When I started my company my aim was to fill the gap of women in the tourism sector, and now my company employs women only, and now being recognized and awarded for that, it is a boost of confidence and motivation to me and other women in the sector as well” Uwimana said. Among the awards won was the Best Southern African Development Community exhibitor which was scooped by Zimbabwe. Speaking to The New Times Rudo Tongogara-Runyowa, an exhibitor from the Zimbabwe Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality, said: “we came here to participate in the exhibition as a support to Rwanda, and winning an award cements our good relationship between Rwanda and Zimbabwe,” “With both our countries accessing more vaccines, and our governments working hard towards curbing the pandemic, we are hopeful that we will be able to gradually re-open tourism activities in both our countries” she added. Other winners include; Best private sector booth that was awarded to Blue Train. The Best East Africa Community exhibitor was scooped by Tanzania The Best Economic Community of West African States Exhibitor award was scooped by Ghana Best Community Based Tourism Exhibitor award was given to Beyond the Gorillas Best Youth Exhibitor was awarded to Youth guide Indangamuco Cooperative (Kivu Belt). The Chamber of Tourism also recognized different private and Public institutions for their cooperation and contributions towards the tourism sector, including; Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Rwanda National Police, MasterCard, GIZ, TradeMark East Africa – Rwanda, and Rwanda Revenue Authority, among others.
