RDB keeps promoting domestic tourism in the country through ‘the Tembera u Rwanda’

The Rwanda Development Board has launched the fifth edition of the Tembera U Rwanda campaign to encourage domestic tourism in the country in order to achieve sustainable development in the country’s tourism sector. Local tourists are enthusiastic about this trip to the Volcanoes National Park, one of the leading tourism attractions in Rwanda.

This phase of the campaign is in the bid to sensitize and educate not only Rwandans but the entire region about the importance of protecting biodiversity and preserving our culture.

The adventurous but very educational trip is scheduled for 25^th – 26^th November and 9^th – 10^th December where a group of 98, the lucky winners of the tombola draw experience that took place during the Liberation holiday will depart from Kigali to Musanze through Remarkable Rwanda’s nature, cultural and wildlife trails.

The tour itinerary on the departure date involves a stopover at Nyirangarama, lunch at La Palme hotel, a thrilling walk through the mysterious Musanze caves extending for about 1.25 miles, caused by centuries of geological activity.

Local tourist will also be exposed to a wide range of knowledge about liberation and conservation as they enjoy barbeque around a bonfire

Day two will be a more exploratory day as tourists will get to have an encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas. There are 10 gorilla families dedicated to tourism excursions and the tourists will be divided in groups depending on their ability to trek in search of the magnificent species.

After the hike tourists will enjoy refreshments and lunch before departure to Buhanga eco-park for a story about Rwandan culture & the country’s conservation journey.

We shall set to Kigali in the evening, enjoying the drive and sunset views through the mountainous landscapes as we reminisce on the beauty of the entire trip.

Rwandans accounted for 3% of the total visitations to Volcanoes National Park in 2016 and for this very reason Rwanda Development Board under the umbrella of the Tourism and Conservation Department continues to promote domestic tourism in the country through educational trips.

This is the first promotional trip by RDB since the revision of the gorilla trekking permits but the call to action began during the liberation day holiday on 4^th of July where everyone born on this date was given the opportunity to participate in a raffle competition.

In addition, Rwandans also had the chance to nominate friends and family born on this date through social media platforms.

Ms. Belise Kariza, the Chief Tourism Officer at Rwanda Development Board commented: “It is also commendable that domestic tourism is growing based on the number of residents visiting the national parks. In 2016 domestic tourists contributed 63% of the total visitors in Akagera national park and 54% in Nyungwe national park. In general, domestic tourism grew by 17% in 2016. We continue to urge Rwandans to visit tourist attractions in the country in order to achieve sustainability & educate our youth on the importance of protecting our sustainability.”

The winners of the draw who will be visiting the Volcanoes National Park in November 25^th-26th and December 9^th-10^th 2017 are entitled to a complimentary park fee permit and dinner. They are also required to cater to their own accommodation in mid-range hotels.

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