The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), in its Travel Expenditure Survey 2026, reported that between April and June 2026, international visitors who travelled to Rwanda by air for holiday purposes spent $57.6 million.
Of this amount, 79.4% was associated with gorilla tourism. Based on this share, gorilla-related tourism accounted for approximately $45.7 million.
The figure represents nearly 28% of Rwanda’s total travel service receipts of $161.8 million recorded during the second quarter of 2026.
However, the $45.7 million does not represent revenue from gorilla trekking permits alone. NISR’s calculation covers the overall spending of visitors in Rwanda, including accommodation, food and drinks, domestic transport, shopping, entertainment, visits to tourist attractions and other services.
This means visitors who come to see gorillas contribute to the economy not only through trekking permits but also through spending at hotels, restaurants, transport services, shops and other businesses during their stay.
More than 6,000 visitors came for gorilla tourism
Data from Rwanda’s Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration shows that 6,023 visitors who entered Rwanda by air in the second quarter of 2026 indicated that gorilla tourism was the purpose of their trip.
North American visitors accounted for the largest share, with 3,469 arrivals, followed by visitors from Europe at 1,008.
They were followed by visitors from other parts of the world at 590, other African countries at 412, East African Community countries at 294 and Asia at 250.
The figures highlight the importance of the North American market to Rwanda’s tourism sector.
Overall, North American visitors also recorded the highest spending among air travellers to Rwanda during the quarter, at $40.2 million.
Visitors from Europe spent $27.7 million, those from other African countries spent $27.1 million, while visitors from East African Community countries spent $22.2 million.
Tourism remains the leading source of travel revenue
Holiday and tourism trips generated the highest travel receipts in Rwanda during the second quarter of 2026.
They generated $59.7 million, representing 36.9% of the country’s total travel service receipts. Visits to friends and relatives generated $45.5 million, while business and professional trips generated $40.2 million.
Among air travellers alone, holiday visitors spent $57.6 million, compared with $37.3 million spent by those visiting friends and relatives and $33.1 million by business travellers.
Overall, Rwanda recorded $161.8 million in travel service receipts in the second quarter of 2026, up from $151.4 million in the first quarter.
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