Tourism in Rwanda: Difference between revisions

It was projected to grow at a rate of 25% every year from 2013-2018. The sector is the biggest contributor to the national export strategy. Total revenues generated from the sector in 2014 alone were USD 305 million. The sector has also attracted direct foreign investments with major international hotel brands setting up shop in the country including [[Marriott Hotels & Resorts|Marriot Hotels & Resorts]], [[Radisson Blu]], Park Inn by Radisson, [[Sheraton Hotels and Resorts]], [[Protea Hotels by Marriott]], Golden Tulip Hotels, and Zinc. With its new world-class [[Kigali Convention Centre|convention center]], Rwanda is set to become a regional and international conference hub owing to ever-improving conference facilities, an excellent and expanding transportation network, and straightforward immigration procedures such as the ability for online visa applications, visa-free for all Africans, and a one-tourist visa policy for the [[East African Community|EAC]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=RDB Rwanda Development Board|url=https://rdb.rw/investment-opportunities/invest-in-tourism/|access-date=2020-10-11|website=rdb.rw}}</ref>

Covering a surface area of {{convert|2700|km2|abbr=on}}, Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Lake Kivu – Visit Rwanda|url=https://www.visitrwanda.com/destinations/lake-kivu/|access-date=2020-10-13|language=en-GB}}</ref> Steep, terraced hills lead down to the picturesque lake shore and the resort towns of [[Gisenyi]], [[Kibuye, Rwanda|Kibuye]], and [[Cyangugu]]. These small towns serve as retreats from the sometimes strenuous hikes to find gorillas and chimpanzees in the surrounding Volcanoes and [[Nyungwe Forest]] National Parks.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Safaris|first=Sun|title=Lake Kivu|url=https://www.sunsafaris.com/safari/rwanda/lake-kivu/|access-date=2020-10-13|website=sunsafaris|language=en}}</ref> Lake Kivu has a lively waterfront of sandy beaches mixed with resorts. Lake Kivu is also known as one of the safest lakes in Africa and there are no dangerous animals such as hippos or crocodiles.<ref name="kivubelt.travel">{{Cite web|date=2021-05-26|title=Lake Kivu, the perfect getaway off the beaten path|url=https://kivubelt.travel/lake-kivu/|access-date=2021-10-04|website=Destination Kivu Belt|language=en-US}}</ref> Lake Kivu also has hundreds of islands. The most known island in Lake Kivu is Napoleon Island outside [[Karongi District|Karongi]] which is a conservation area and home to one of Africa's largest colonies of straw colored fruit bats.<ref name="kivubelt.travel"/> Most common way to explore Lake Kivu is through one of the standard tour boats with benches and a roof. More adventurous ways visitors explore Rwanda are through kayaking tours on Lake Kivu,

TouristsIt can also explorecontains the colonial-style home that was once the royal residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa in the mid 20th century. The interior design strikingly blends Rwandan patterns with European-style furniture (some of which were actually owned by the king).<ref name=":0" />

Visitors can step inside an authentic royal home and learn how it was constructed. The museum also hosts live handicraft demonstrations.<ref name=":0" />