Airbnb a welcome player in Rwanda’s hospitality sector

Editor, RE: “RDB to develop, standardise Airbnb home rental service” (The New Times, October 5). It is without doubt that, at current price levels, hotels in Rwanda are comparatively on the higher side. For sure, it is a supply and demand phenomenon and as Rwanda matures further vis-a-vis the hospitality sector, hotel pricing will stabilise. In an article which you published in February, The New Times did comparisons; for example, between Grand Legacy Hotel, which is said to be operating efficiently and the former Alpha Palace Hotel – just across the road (in Remera) – which has since been converted into an educational institute. A good hotel, if marketed efficiently and at the right price, will remain in business and, more importantly, continue to be profitable.Airbnb is definitely a good addition to the inventory of accommodation facilities in the country and it is encouraging to note that Rwanda Development Board and several other stakeholders, like the Rwanda Tourism Chamber of the Private Sector Federation, are developing and standardising this home rental service. Homestays will boost domestic tourism substantially and at the same time open up Rwanda to many international tourists, thereby enhancing foreign exchange earnings for the country. Clarence Fernandes

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Airbnb a welcome player in Rwanda’s hospitality sector