The Rwandan Ambassador to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo has said that Rwanda will continue to strengthen its ties through trade, cultural exchanges, and tourism with Nigeria.

In his remarks at the just concluded 20th Akwaaba Travel Market at the Eko Hotel and Suites Convention Centre in Lagos, Bazivamo stated that Nigeria’s vibrant travel market and growing interest in Rwanda reinforce this bond.

He disclosed that Rwanda and Nigeria have a history of collaboration, and tourism is a key part of that.

Bazivamo said their country warmly welcome more Nigerian tourists, investors, and businesses to explore all that Rwanda has to offer.

He applauded the organizers of Akwaaba African Travel Market for their vision and dedication in creating such a dynamic platform to showcase Africa’s rich tourism offerings and for their outstanding work in showcasing Africa’s
diverse tourism potential.

Bazivamo noted that events like Akwaaba are essential for fostering collaboration, boosting intra-African tourism, and moving us closer to the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) vision of a prosperous and united continent.

He stated that in Rwanda, they recognize the immense potential of tourism to fuel economic growth, create jobs, and drive sustainable development.

According to him: “It’s a cornerstone of our economy, making a significant contribution to our GDP and supporting countless Rwandans.
We’ve carefully designed a diverse tourism experience that blends nature, culture, and business opportunities.
Whether you’re an eco-tourist, adventurer, or business traveler, Rwanda has something unique to offer”.

The Ambassador pointed out from the majestic mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu and the captivating savannahs of Akagera National Park, Rwanda is truly a premier African destination.

In his words, “Rwanda is more than just a beautiful landscape. We’re also a growing hub for MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
Kigali, our vibrant capital city, boasts the Kigali Convention Centre and a network of world-class hotels, providing exceptional venues for international events, business meetings, cultural showcases, and even weddings.
Our modern infrastructure and thriving digital economy are transforming Rwanda into a hub for investment and innovation. Our commitment to excellence in tourism has been recognized globally.
We’re proud to have been named one of the World’s Top 10 Destinations by Lonely Planet and to have received the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Champion Award for our sustainable tourism practices.

Bazivamo added that their national carrier, RwandAir, connects Rwanda to the world with its expanding network and exceptional service, making travel seamless.

He said RwandAir currently offer four weekly flights between Abuja and Kigali and five weekly flights between Lagos and Kigali, with plans to increase Lagos flights to daily starting in October 2024.

The Envoy stated that their visa-free policy for African citizens, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie countries makes visiting even easier.

The resilience of our tourism sector, supported by favorable policies and a business-friendly environment, has made Rwanda a model for sustainable tourism development.
We are actively fostering public-private partnerships and promoting investment opportunities to further grow the sector, Bazivamo said.

“In the spirit of Akwaaba, which means “welcome,” Rwanda extends an open invitation to all of you. Come experience the warmth, innovation, and beauty of our country.
We also encourage the organizers to consider Rwanda as a future host for this prestigious expo. Our strategic location, world-class facilities, and exceptional tourism offerings make Rwanda an ideal venue for such events.
As we continue to build partnerships across the continent, let’s seize the opportunities before us to make Africa a global leader in travel and tourism”, the Ambassador stated.