Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

Running until December 6, the event brings together key players from the global tourism industry, including tour operators, tourism experts, and media representatives. This marks Rwanda’s eighth participation in the trade show, which has become an essential platform for promoting the country’s high-end tourism offerings.

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is leading the delegation, with several prominent tour operators joining the effort to highlight the diverse attractions Rwanda has to offer.

These include Wilderness Safaris, Primates Safaris, Uber Luxe Safaris, Rwanda Eco Company Safaris, Songa Africa Tourism Company, Blue Monkey Tours, Africa Journeys, Wildlife Tours, and Palast Tours and Travel.

IGIHE spoke with representatives from these companies to gather insights on the opportunities presented by the ILTM and the impact of such a global stage on Rwanda’s tourism industry.

Davidson Mugisha, the Managing Director of Wildlife Tours Rwanda, expressed the significance of participating in this elite event, which brings together some of the most influential players in luxury travel. “This market is perfect for anyone looking for a luxury destination in Rwanda,” he said.

“The agents who come here have done their research, and every company represented is carefully selected. It’s an excellent opportunity to promote Rwanda as a high-end destination.”

For Mugisha, this event serves as a vital platform to connect with agents and tour operators who can help position Rwanda as a prime destination for luxury travelers.

Similarly, Lambert Hategekimana from Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris emphasized the value of the ILTM for both networking and showcasing the country’s attractions.

“This is one of the best exhibitions for promoting Rwanda’s national parks, our gorillas, and other unique attractions,” he noted. “We have the chance to meet tour operators from all over the world and introduce them to Rwanda’s destinations.”

Hategekimana also highlighted the exclusivity of the event, saying, “Only select countries are invited to participate in this prestigious fair, and it’s an honor for Rwanda to be represented. We are thankful to the RDB for facilitating our participation and to the embassy for ensuring a smooth process.”

The event also provides tour operators the chance to connect with international travelers and inform them about what Rwanda has to offer. “It is up to us, the entrepreneurs, to tap into this opportunity,” Hategekimana added.

“By showcasing our attractions, we help visitors understand what Rwanda has to offer, ensuring they know where to stay and what services will be available to them.”

For Primate Safaris represented by Marketing Manager, Betty Mutoni, the ILTM offers a valuable opportunity to connect with new clients and expand the company’s reach.

“We have seen this event as a growth opportunity, with more people coming to Rwanda each year. It’s been an incredible platform to show the world the unique experiences we offer,” she said.

Daniella Gaza, representing Songa Africa, also emphasized the incredible opportunity the ILTM has provided for the company.

“Attending ILTM has allowed us to connect with new agents and partners in the luxury travel market, while also strengthening the relationships we’ve built over the years,” she explained.

“Through conversations with agents from around the world, we’ve learned that Rwanda is one of the top-selling destinations globally. We’re promoting it not only as a gorilla destination, but also as a place to experience safaris in Akagera, rainforest adventures in Nyungwe, and so much more.”

Gaza expressed her gratitude to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for facilitating their participation, adding, “We’re already looking forward to returning next year.”

Denis Lefebvre, representing Palast Tours & Travel, shared his impressions of Rwanda at ILTM 2024 and highlighted the country’s appeal.

“Rwanda is indeed a destination we recommend, especially for seasoned travelers,” he remarked.

Lefebvre emphasized the country’s safety, short travel distances, top-notch accommodations, and ease of exploration, making it the perfect choice for a memorable day trip.

Irene Murerwa, Chief Tourism Officer at RDB, expressed excitement about Rwanda’s participation in this prestigious event.

“Visit Rwanda is pleased to take part in the 23rd edition of the ILTM flagship luxury travel trade show, which attracts over 10,000 delegates,” Murerwa said.

Murerwa also took the opportunity to thank the various partners and tour operators for their continued collaboration.

“We want to thank our partners, the tour operators, and the organizers of ILTM Cannes 2024. We will not shy away from discussing the consistent leadership we have in Rwanda,” she noted.

“We are now set to push for Rwanda as one of the biggest luxury travel destinations in the world,” Murerwa added.

Through its participation in events like ILTM, Rwanda is not just solidifying its reputation as a luxury destination but also taking bold steps towards shaping its future in global tourism.

karirima@igihe.com

In an interview with The Telegraph, Minister Nduhungirehe confirmed that Rwanda is committed to contributing to global efforts aimed at addressing illegal migration.

He emphasized that Rwanda is open to receiving migrants relocated from other countries, as it had agreed to do under its canceled deal with the UK.

“If there is any will from another country to discuss this, we will be open to discuss, to see how it can be materialised,” Nduhungirehe stated.

The proposed arrangement would see Rwanda taking in migrants transferred from countries facing migration challenges, aligning with the nation’s broader stance on immigration.

In September, Germany’s migration commissioner had even suggested Rwanda as a third-party country to handle migrant offshoring. Italy has already moved forward with a similar agreement, using Albania for migrant relocation.

While no direct proposals have been received from the U.S. administration, the elect-President Trump’s close aides have indicated that Rwanda may be considered as a destination for migrants as part of Trump’s mass deportation plans.

Nduhungirehe said Rwanda had not yet had any direct approaches but reaffirmed Rwanda’s readiness to partner with any country willing to address the global migration crisis.

“We are open to continue contributing to the solution to the migration, if in the days or months or years to come, we have to get into partnership with another country. So we consider all the conditions, including the facilities.”

Discussing the canceled migration partnership with the UK, Nduhungirehe explained that the deal, which was terminated after the election of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, would have provided a viable solution by acting as a deterrent while adhering to international law.

“We believe that every country should address this issue of migration in a way that will deter migration while treating the migrants in a humane way according to international law,” he said.

“We did our part and we are willing to do it again, but for other countries, especially European countries, they should talk among themselves and then find an appropriate solution to the migration aiming at deterrence, but also receiving people who have reached the territory and integrating them according to international law.”

Rwanda had started building accommodations for migrants from the UK. Nduhungirehe suggested that this infrastructure could be repurposed for any future migrant relocation schemes with other countries.

“If we get into partnership with any other country, we will discuss the terms and conditions of that partnership and that could be considered at that time,” he said.

Although the UK’s MEDP has been canceled, Nduhungirehe noted that the housing facilities built with the funds could still serve a useful purpose.

“We are still discussing within the government how to use that accommodation, not necessarily to deal with migration now that the MEDP is being terminated. They will be used for other purposes. We have started implementing the agreement, because part of the money was on development of that infrastructure.”

Rwanda’s position reflects its continued openness to contributing to global migration solutions while ensuring that agreements are mutually beneficial and aligned with international law.

The deal between the UK government, led by the Conservative Party, and Rwanda was signed in April 2022 and revised in December 2023 after doubts arose over the security of migrants while in Kigali.

In an interview with journalist Nick Ferrari of LBC, Minister Nduhungirehe explained that Rwanda was surprised by the security concerns raised in the UK after it had agreed to help the UK address the migrant issue.

“We have strong relations with the UK, and then we are working with the Labour government to terminate the migration partnership that we had worked on with the previous government, so that we can focus on our other projects and policies between our two countries,” he said.

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, upon being elected as the new UK Prime Minister, stated that he would stop the deal.

When asked by Ferrari how the UK government had informed Rwanda about its decision to halt the program, Minister Nduhungirehe responded that Rwanda had not been formally notified, and it was initially disappointing.

“We knew it even through the campaign, electoral campaign. The Labour Party had stated on several occasions that they would repeal this partnership, and we knew when the results came out that this migration partnership would be repealed. We then worked with the government,” he noted.

“Initially, we were a bit disappointed with how this was handled, as we were not formally notified with the initial announcement in the media. But later on, we managed to speak with the government, including the Home Secretary and other officials, to work on how to terminate this migration partnership,” Nduhungirehe added.

UK High Commissioner to Rwanda, Alison Thorpe, during a press briefing in Kigali on October 2, 2024, suggested that it seems unlikely that the UK government would reinstate the program, as they have introduced other measures to deter illegal migrants.

The diplomat stated that after Starmer halted the agreement, it was expected that the UK Parliament would approve the decision, and the UK government would formally notify Rwanda in accordance with legal procedures.

The policy, which required passengers from Rwanda to be redirected to three designated U.S. airports for screening, is now no longer in effect. This decision also removes the requirement for travelers who have been in Rwanda within the last 21 days to undergo additional health assessments.

“ Passengers are now able to arrive in the United States without being redirected to one of the three designated airports where public health entry screening was previously conducted,” reads a statement released on December 4.

This change follows the November 22, 2024, downgrade of Rwanda’s travel advisory from Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) to Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”), signaling that the situation had significantly improved.

In addition, the last known patient with Marburg Virus Disease in Rwanda tested negative on November 8, 2024, and the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that Rwanda had begun the 42-day countdown to officially declare the end of the outbreak.

With no new cases reported, public health officials are now confident that the risk posed by the virus has been effectively mitigated.

While the end of the screening measures marks a positive step, U.S. health authorities emphasized the continued importance of vigilance and monitoring.

The Marburg Virus Disease outbreak was first declared in Rwanda on September 27,2024.

As Rwanda approaches the official declaration of the end of the outbreak—expected to occur on December 12, 2024, this policy change is expected to improve the flow of air travel between Rwanda and the U.S., making it easier for passengers to enter the U.S. without unnecessary delays.

The suspects, a 57-year-old mother and her 27-year-old daughter, were apprehended at their residence in Runyeheri Village, Nyarushyamba Cell, Nyakiriba Sector, on the morning of Tuesday, December 3.

The Western region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, said the arrest followed a tip-off from the public.

“Based on credible information the Police had about a large stock of smuggled clothes stored at the suspects’ home, Police officers from the Anti-Smuggling Unit searched the premises where they found eight bales of used clothes that had been smuggled into the country from the DR Congo,” SP Karekezi said.

He commended those, who provided the information on the two suspected smugglers, and urged the public to avoid engaging in smuggling.

SP Karekezi noted that taxes are used to develop infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals, and other public facilities, but warned that such acts amount to illegal cross-border.

He added that evading taxes undermines the country’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.

SP Karekezi also reminded the public that the Police, in collaboration with other institutions and the community, are actively fighting smuggling and fraud.

Engaging in such illegal trade carries severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and a fine equivalent to 50% of the value of the smuggled goods, as stipulated under the East African Community Customs Management Act.

IGIHE recently caught up with Naeem Khan, High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Rwanda, who highlighted the significant progress in the bilateral relations between the two nations.

Reflecting on his two-year tenure in Rwanda, High Commissioner Khan emphasized the growing partnership, particularly in trade, business, and diplomacy.

“The bilateral relationship is improving after high-level visits, including the Honourable President of the Senate to Pakistan, as well as defense authorities like the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff,” he said.

These exchanges have played a crucial role in enhancing cooperation across various sectors, fostering stronger ties between Rwanda and Pakistan.

One notable milestone in the relationship was the opening of Rwanda’s High Commission in Pakistan, marking the first time Rwanda has established an embassy in the country.

High Commissioner Khan considered this as a landmark achievement for both nations and stressed the importance of this diplomatic presence in deepening bilateral relations and enhancing collaboration.

Trade between Rwanda and Pakistan has also seen remarkable growth. “When I arrived here, our bilateral trade stood at $34 million. Today, according to statistics, it has already surpassed $70 million,” High Commissioner Khan shared.

Rwanda’s tea industry stands out as a key area of export, with Pakistan importing over 60% of the country’s tea production.

Additionally, both nations are exploring new markets for products like coffee, beans, lentils, and pulses. With Pakistan’s population of 250 million, there is considerable potential for Rwandan goods in this large consumer market.

High Commissioner Khan also emphasized the potential for collaboration in agriculture, industry, and technology. “Pakistan produces some of the world’s best lightweight tractors, which are ideal for Rwanda’s hilly terrain,” he said, noting that both countries could benefit from stronger ties in this area.

The envoy also pointed to the growing importance of Information Technology. Rwanda is becoming known for its strong digital economy, while Pakistan is positioning itself as a global leader in IT-based solutions, providing further opportunities for collaboration.

Additionally, High Commissioner Khan revealed that Pakistani investors are increasingly viewing Rwanda as a strategic hub, not just for the local market but also for the wider East African region.

“We are working on joint ventures where Pakistani companies will manufacture in Rwanda and then re-export to other countries,” High Commissioner Khan explained, highlighting potential in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.

Looking ahead, the High Commissioner expressed optimism about the role of bilateral agreements in promoting economic growth.

One exciting prospect is the development of a free industrial zone, which the envoy explained is currently in the early stages.

He explained that they are engaging with relevant institutions to expedite this process, promising to create employment opportunities for the local workforce.

Currently, there are around 500 Pakistanis living in Rwanda, along with their families. They are primarily involved in the car business, hotel and restaurant management, and IT services, while others work in international organizations.

With a longstanding relationship spanning 62 years, Rwanda and Pakistan continue to collaborate across various sectors, including trade, health, and investment, further strengthening their partnership.

The motion to remove the martial law order was approved at an urgently convened cabinet meeting, according to multiple media outlets.

Before the meeting, Yoon said in a televised address that martial law troops were withdrawn as the National Assembly demanded the lifting of martial law, vowing to lift the martial law at a cabinet meeting to accept the parliamentary demand.

The president asked the National Assembly to stop paralyzing state affairs by trying to impeach government officials, slash the government’s budget for next year and launch a special prosecutor’s team for investigation into scandals involving the first lady.

Yoon declared the emergency martial law Tuesday night, marking the first martial law declaration since the country’s military dictatorship ended in the late 1980s.

The National Assembly held a plenary session, passing a resolution to lift the martial law with 18 lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party and 172 lawmakers of opposition parties in attendance and voting in favor.

In accordance with the constitution, the president should lift a martial law when the 300-member parliament demands the lifting with a majority of lawmakers voting in favor.

This marks Rwanda’s eighth participation in the prestigious event, represented by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) leading the delegation of several tour operators, including Wilderness Safaris, Primates Safaris, Uber Luxe Safaris, Rwanda Eco Company Safaris, Songa Africa Tourism Company, Blue Monkey Tours, Africa Journeys, Wildlife Tours, and Palast Tours and Travel.

The primary aim of Rwanda’s presence at ILTM is to highlight the country’s rich and diverse tourist attractions, boosting its profile on the international stage. On the opening day alone, over 160 visitors toured Rwanda’s stand, with an additional 33 visitors, including media representatives, hosted by RDB, bringing the total number of visitors to 193.

Rwanda is also set to benefit from the insights of more than 1,800 industry professionals attending the event. ILTM is renowned for connecting luxury travel buyers, sellers, and partners, and draws participants from regions such as Africa, Asia, South America, the Middle East, and China. Rwanda participated in the event last year as well.

According to the World Bank’s report on Rwanda’s economic performance, tourism is expected to play a key role in the country’s growth trajectory.

In 2024, the tourism sector is projected to generate $660 million, up from $620 million in 2023. It is expected that Rwanda’s gorilla tourism will account for $200 million of this total, while conferences and related activities will contribute $90 million.

Sports and entertainment tourism are expected to generate $110 million, with business tourism contributing $68 million. Visitors coming for family and friends are anticipated to bring in $86 million, while other types of visitors will add $46 million to the sector.

In 2023, Rwanda welcomed more than 1.4 million visitors, and projections indicate this number will double by 2029, driven in part by the expansion of RwandAir’s flight routes.

{{Below are some photos from the evening of December 2, 2024, marking the official opening of the ILTM.}}

{{Visits to Rwanda’s stand}}

karirima@igihe.com

The meeting was confirmed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, in an interview with IGIHE on December 4, 2024.

According to the Angolan Presidential Office, ministers representing Angola, Rwanda, and the DRC, who are part of the Luanda peace talks, will also attend the meeting aimed at discussing peace and security in the eastern DRC.

This upcoming discussion will build upon a ministerial meeting held on November 25, 2024, where the three countries agreed to dismantle the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebel group and to lift the security measures Rwanda had imposed in 2022.

Following the ministerial agreement, President João Lourenço of Angola, acting as the African Union-appointed mediator, spoke with Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi by phone to discuss the next steps toward peace in the region. Lourenço’s goal is for the two leaders to sign a peace agreement once they have reached a consensus.

The dismantling of the FDLR will occur in three phases. The first phase involves assessing the threat posed by the group, identifying the locations of its bases and weapons. The second phase will involve targeted military operations against the group, and the final phase will focus on repatriating its fighters.

As the FDLR is addressed, Rwanda will lift the security measures it implemented in 2022. A joint security mechanism led by Angola will oversee the entire process.

Minister Nduhungirehe recently noted that the issue of the M23 armed group, which remains a key challenge, was not discussed at the November talks but will be addressed in the upcoming meeting.