The hotel, which is expected to feature a 1,000-seat conference hall, four restaurants and a rooftop offering views of Lake Kivu and the Virunga Mountains, is being developed on a 3,000-square-metre site.
Construction is currently 70% complete. Bizimungu told IGIHE that he intends to have the facility meet four-star hotel standards and create between 300 and 400 jobs.
“We want it to be a four-star hotel,” he said.
He explained that the total investment could exceed Rwf10 billion slightly or fall below that figure, depending on the requirements for completing the project.
Although construction has progressed considerably, the completion timeline will depend on the delivery of interior design and furnishing requirements, including reception area fittings, tiles and other materials.
Bizimungu said that once the necessary specifications and sources of materials have been provided, the remaining work could take between one year and 18 months.
He added that discussions are also underway with four potential investors interested in managing the hotel. Their proposals could lead to some changes in the building to accommodate their operational requirements.
“We are in discussions with four potential investors to manage it. Some have made proposals regarding the building, meaning certain aspects could change,” he said.
Conference facilities, restaurants and leisure activities
Among the hotel’s planned facilities is a conference hall with a capacity of 1,000 people, with seating arranged in a theatre-style layout.
Bizimungu said they had held discussions with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) on developing conference facilities in different districts to enable them to host meetings and gatherings, including international conferences.
Although Rubavu attracts visitors seeking relaxation and leisure, he said the hotel would also target the conference tourism market.
The facility will have four restaurants, several outdoor seating areas where guests can enjoy the sunshine and music, a parking area, a nightclub and a swimming pool.
A rooftop lounge will offer visitors panoramic views of Lake Kivu and the Virunga Mountains.
Bizimungu said the hotel’s design and services were informed by Rubavu’s tourism appeal, noting that many visitors travel to the district to relax, visit the hot springs or continue their journeys to Volcanoes National Park.
Inspired by demand for leisure facilities
Bizimungu said the idea of developing the hotel came from the tourism potential he sees in Rubavu, particularly its ability to accommodate people looking for places to unwind after long periods of work.
“The idea came from recognising Gisenyi’s potential to accommodate people who spend the entire year working without taking a break and then come to Lake Kivu to relax,” he said.
He noted that he also wanted to contribute to making better use of the district’s tourism opportunities, including recreational activities on the lake.
“If we have the capacity, we will acquire equipment for water sports on Lake Kivu as our contribution to Rwandans. We also want to make the most of the opportunities available to us in Rubavu,” he said.
The hot springs were also among the attractions that influenced his decision to invest in Rubavu, as they have the potential to draw both local and international visitors.
Bizimungu said he also intends to ensure that guests staying at the hotel receive information about places of historical and tourist interest in the district, including Mount Nengo, which is associated with the First World War.
He said the hotel’s role would extend beyond accommodation by helping visitors discover what Rubavu has to offer, whether they are interested in relaxation, recreation or local history.
Construction of the hotel began in 2018, with the first phase initially expected to be completed in 2022. However, the project was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bizimungu served as President of Rwanda from July 1994 until 2000, when he resigned. After his release from prison in 2007, he largely withdrew from active politics and focused on his private activities.
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