{{Rwanda is targeting to triple its earnings from Tourism by 2016 by targeting both regional and international conferences which will improve on conference tourism.}}
Currently conference tourism accounts for 30% ($49M) of total revenues collected from the tourism sector annually.
Being a favourable conference destination, RDB is promoting Rwanda as MICE ({{M}}eeting, {{I}}ncentives, {{C}}onferences & {{E}}xhibitions) and this has been supported by the emerging modern infrastructure including, Hotels, Conference facilities, excellent roads and Air transport.
MICE tourism is important to the growth of the country’s economy as it will create multiple effects to other sector of the economy due to large volumes of visitors coming to the convention.
MR. Frank Murangwa the MICE Division Manager at the Rwanda Development Says, “We are closely working with the company that will manage the Kigali convention centre (KCC) and the hotel which is Radisson Blu.
On completion of completion of the Kigali Convention centre and other hotels such as Radisson, Marriott and Park Inn, their contribution to tourism will grow to 40%.
Mr. Murangwa says KCC facility will have 10 meeting rooms of varying sizes and the main arena which makes a total of 11 meeting spaces with a sitting capacity of over 2600 people.
He says, “Kigali Conventional Centre a land mark project will again have different facilities such as four restaurants and a couple of bars which is aimed at satisfying the clientele that will be using it.”
Murangwa explains that government has identified MICE tourism as one key tourism segment to focus on thus investing in infrastructure such as the convention centre, upgrading current Kigali International Airport and developing the Bugesera International airport fundamental to MICE growth.
More high profile brand hotels such as the Golden Tulip Kempinski and Sheraton are currently operational in Rwanda in addition to the already existing ones.
To support this segment, RwandAir the national carrier is expanding its operations to cater for the growing market.
Murangwa says, “We hope to start benefiting from the Kigali Conventional Centre in 2015 when the iconic projects opens.”
He noted that the strategic location of the Kigali conventional centre also enhances its architectural excellence. “The facility carries immense importance in terms of branding and is a pull factor to attract large conventions and conferences to the country.”
Murangwa said he hopes this is going to promote Rwanda as a MICE hub and consequently create more business opportunities for the country.
{The Kigali Conventional Centre. Partly Complete}
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