The RDB report published on Tuesday, April 28, indicates that the performance reflects resilient demand despite global uncertainties, supported by strong air travel activity and the continued diversification of tourism products.
Gorilla tourism remained the sector’s leading revenue contributor, increasing by 7 per cent to $248 million (Rwf 361.3 billion), further strengthening its position as Rwanda’s flagship high-value tourism product.
The visiting friends and relatives (VFR) segment recorded strong growth of 19 per cent, reaching $180 million (Rwf 262.2 billion), driven by increased regional travel and diaspora visits. Education-related travel also expanded by 17 per cent to $ 64 million (Rwf 93.2 billion), while business travel remained broadly stable at $112 million (Rwf 163.2 billion), the RDB report indicates.
Overall, tourism growth was largely underpinned by air travel revenues, which rose by 9 per cent to $594 million (Rwf 865.4 billion), reflecting improved connectivity and sustained international demand.
Visitor arrivals rise to 1.49 million
According to the RDB data, Rwanda welcomed 1.49 million visitors in 2025, up from 1.36 million in 2024, representing a 9 per cent increase in arrivals. The report attributes the growth mainly to air travel, with air arrivals rising by 23 per cent, while road arrivals increased by 5 per cent, highlighting Rwanda’s continued regional appeal.
Visitor inflows were led by East African Community (EAC) countries and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while arrivals from Europe, North America, Asia, and other African markets continued to expand. Business travel remained the largest segment of arrivals, alongside notable growth in health and education-related travel, reinforcing Rwanda’s positioning as a diversified, year-round destination.
National parks record growth and new attractions
RDB data shows that Rwanda’s national parks recorded 155,394 visits in 2025, a 3.2 per cent increase compared to 2024, supported by a 15 per cent rise in domestic visitation. Park revenues increased by 5.2 per cent to $40.8 million (Rwf 59.4 billion). Volcanoes National Park remained the leading revenue driver, generating $35.8 million (Rwf 52.2 billion), accounting for 87.7 per cent of total park revenues, the report states.
Nyungwe National Park recorded the fastest growth in visitation at 22.8 per cent, driven by new tourism products including a zipline and rope course, which attracted over 6,000 visitors within six months of launch, according to RDB.
Akagera National Park experienced a moderation in visitation following strong previous performance but continued to play a key role in Rwanda’s conservation and wildlife tourism offering, according to RDB.
Domestic tourism continues to expand
The new report indicates that domestic tourism revenues increased by 3.5 per cent to $821,093 (Rwf 1.2 billion) in 2025, while domestic park visits rose by 8.1 per cent to 59,270. Akagera National Park led domestic visitation with 32,932 visitors, followed by Nyungwe with 18,515 and Volcanoes National Park with 7,699 visitors. Gishwati–Mukura National Park continued to serve a niche domestic market.
On the revenue side, Volcanoes National Park generated the highest domestic tourism income at $306,263 (Rwf 446.2 million), followed by Akagera with $278,325 (Rwf 405.5 million) and Nyungwe with $234,337 (Rwf 341.4 million).
Rwanda also expanded its tourism offering through new investments, including Bisate Reserve in Volcanoes National Park, Magashi Peninsula in Akagera, and Munazi Eco Lodge in Nyungwe. Kigali’s hospitality sector also grew with new high-end hotels such as Mövenpick Hotel Kigali, The Pinnacle Kigali, and Zaria Court Kigali.
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