In 2024, the industry injected a record Rwf1.9 trillion into Rwanda’s economy—equivalent to 9.8 percent of GDP. This figure reflects a 17.7 percent rise over the previous peak recorded in 2019, demonstrating the sector’s impressive recovery and resilience. The gains were broad-based, spanning international visitor spending, domestic tourism, and employment.
The WTTC report indicates that tourism supported nearly 386,000 jobs in 2024, while international visitors spent Rwf1 trillion—Rwf169 billion more than they did in 2019. This rebound came after a modest recovery in 2023, which now appears to have been a springboard for the sector’s record performance this year.
Domestic travel has also surged, with Rwandans spending over Rwf773 billion on travel within the country—an increase of 32.2 percent above pre-pandemic levels. This trend underscores the growing vibrancy of local tourism and the effectiveness of national efforts to promote internal travel as a complement to foreign arrivals.
In an exclusive interview with The New Times, Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC, hailed Rwanda as a "standout example" of tourism-driven economic transformation. “The President’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and diversification is setting a benchmark not only for Africa but globally,” she said. “From gorilla trekking to business conferences and international sports events, Rwanda has built a multi-faceted tourism portfolio that is clearly paying off.”
Simpson also emphasized the importance of infrastructure in sustaining this momentum. She pointed to ongoing projects like the new international airport in Bugesera, expected to accommodate 14 million passengers annually upon completion, as critical to boosting long-term connectivity and attracting more visitors.
“Rwanda might be small, but it punches above its weight,” Simpson remarked. “You need vision, infrastructure, and commitment to safety. Rwanda offers all three. It’s a country where visitors not only find world-class experiences but also feel genuinely safe.”
Looking ahead, the outlook remains promising. WTTC projects that the sector will contribute Rwf2.1 trillion to the economy in 2025—a 13 percent increase year-over-year—accounting for 10.3 percent of GDP and supporting over 402,000 jobs, or more than 8 percent of the country’s workforce.
By 2035, tourism is expected to generate Rwf3.1 trillion annually, maintain a 10 percent share of GDP, and sustain more than 545,000 jobs nationwide. This translates into the creation of over 140,000 new jobs over the next decade.
These numbers not only validate the government’s strategic emphasis on tourism as a cornerstone of economic diversification but also reflect Rwanda’s emergence as a premier destination in Africa—balancing environmental stewardship, safety, and innovation to shape a tourism model with global relevance.