The report examines how much international visitors spend from the time they arrive in Rwanda until they depart, covering expenses such as accommodation, food, shopping, and other services.
In recent years, Rwanda has opened several high-end hotels capable of hosting international conferences that bring together thousands of participants from across the world to discuss different issues.
The country has also invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure, with existing facilities being expanded to increase capacity.
In the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, more than 1,400 people entered Rwanda specifically seeking medical services.
Among the most sought-after services are cancer treatment offered at Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence and specialized procedures such as heart surgery available in Kigali.
Sports infrastructure has also contributed to the inflow of international visitors. The recently completed Amahoro Stadium now hosts international matches organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.
During the 2025/2026 football season, Amahoro Stadium has hosted several continental matches after Al-Hilal SC reached the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League.
The matches have attracted many foreign fans and officials to Rwanda, who in turn spend on services and goods during their stay.
In addition to football, Rwanda continues to host other international sporting events including cycling, handball, volleyball, and basketball competitions, as well as entertainment concerts that bring visitors from across the world to the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
According to the Travel Expenditure Survey included in the fourth-quarter report, visitors who came to see Rwanda’s mountain gorillas were the biggest spenders during the period.
Data was collected from travelers passing through 11 border points, including Rusumo, Kagitumba, Buziba, Gatuna, Cyanika, Rusizi I, Rusizi II, Bugarama, La Corniche, and Kigali International Airport.
Information for foreign visitors was gathered at exit points, while data for Rwandans traveling abroad was collected when they re-entered the country.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, international visitors spent more than $161.5 million in Rwanda on shopping, accommodation, and other services.
Tourists traveling for holidays alone spent $65 million during the quarter, while revenue generated from gorilla tourism accounted for 71.4% of total tourism earnings.
NISR data also indicates that visitors from North America spent the most on shopping and purchasing goods in Rwanda, totaling $40.8 million.
Foreign travelers entering Rwanda by land spent about $24.9 million, with the majority traveling to visit friends and relatives, accounting for $11.3 million.
Strong performance in 2025
The report further shows that international visitors spent $130.7 million in the first quarter of 2025, $121.7 million in the second quarter, $190.6 million in the third quarter, and $161.5 million in the fourth quarter.
Leisure travelers made up the largest share of spending, accounting for 41.1% of total tourism revenue. They were followed by visitors traveling to see friends and relatives, while those visiting Rwanda for business and investment opportunities contributed 16.2% of the spending.
Meanwhile, Rwandans traveling abroad spent $83.7 million in the first quarter, $89.3 million in the second quarter, $90.1 million in the third quarter, and $95.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Rwandans who traveled abroad for business purposes accounted for the largest share of spending, representing 35.7% of the total. Those visiting friends and relatives spent 28.3%, while travelers seeking education-related services accounted for 23.1%.
A 2024/25 report from the Ministry of Trade and Industry shows that 1.15 million visitors entered Rwanda, including 37% who came for gorilla tourism, 24% visiting friends and relatives, and 17% traveling for business.
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