NASA is now targeting April 2026 for Artemis II, its first crewed moon mission, and mid-2027 for Artemis III, a historic moon landing mission exploring the lunar South Pole region.
Artemis III will be the first mission to return U.S. astronauts to the surface of the moon in more than 50 years.
The agency previously set September 2025 for Artemis II, and September 2026 for Artemis III.
The delay came after NASA concluded the examination of a technical problem happened during the agency’s Artemis I mission in 2022.
The Artemis I flight test, carrying the Orion spacecraft, was launched on Nov. 16, 2022, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Artemis I mission was the first integrated flight test of the agency’s deep space exploration systems: the Orion spacecraft, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, and ground systems.
During the Artemis I mission, the Orion spacecraft experienced an unexpected char loss across its heat shield, according to NASA.
Extensive analysis, including from more than 100 tests at unique facilities across the country, determined the heat shield on Artemis I did not allow for enough of the gases generated inside a material called Avcoat to escape, which caused some of the material to crack and break off.
Avcoat is designed to wear away as it heats up and is a key material in the thermal protection system that guards Orion and its crew from the nearly 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit of temperatures that are generated when Orion returns from the moon through Earth’s atmosphere, according to NASA.
Approximately 200 Avcoat samples were removed from the Artemis I heat shield at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama for analysis and inspection.
“We took our heat shield investigation process extremely seriously with crew safety as the driving force behind the investigation,” said Howard Hu, manager of Orion Program, NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “The process was extensive. We gave the team the time needed to investigate every possible cause, and they worked tirelessly to ensure we understood the phenomenon and the necessary steps to mitigate this issue for future missions.”
Engineers already are assembling and integrating the Orion spacecraft for Artemis III based on lessons learned from Artemis I and implementing enhancements to how heat shields for crewed returns from lunar landing missions are manufactured, to achieve uniformity and consistent permeability, according to NASA.
The Orion spacecraft, built by NASA and prime contractor Lockheed Martin, is currently the only spacecraft capable of crewed deep space flight and high-speed return to Earth from the vicinity of the moon.
On NASA’s Artemis moon exploration missions, Orion will carry the crew to space, provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel, and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.
With the Artemis campaign, NASA plans to land the first woman, first person of color, and its first international partner astronaut on the moon, and establish long-term exploration for scientific discovery and preparation for human missions to Mars.
As we approach the close of 2024, it is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the remarkable strides made in Rwanda’s agricultural sector.
In this article, we revisit the key moments and significant achievements that have shaped the agricultural landscape of Rwanda throughout 2024, marking it as a transformative year for the sector.
{{17th Rwanda National Agriculture Show}}
One of the key highlights of Rwanda’s agricultural calendar was the 17th Rwanda National Agriculture Show, which took place from July 31 to August 9, 2024, at the Mulindi showground in Gasabo District, Kigali.
This year’s event was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) under the theme “Building Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems.”
The show attracted over 470 exhibitors, showcasing the latest innovations and developments in the agricultural sector.
The exhibition was a vibrant display of cutting-edge technologies aimed at bolstering Rwanda’s food systems, with a focus on climate resilience and sustainability.
Among the notable exhibits were solar-powered irrigation systems, hydroponics, modern livestock management, mechanization technologies, and the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in farming.
The Rwanda National Agriculture Show serves as a critical platform for stakeholders within the agriculture sector, including individual farmers, farmer organizations, financial service providers, and international entities supporting the industry.
The event provided an opportunity for participants to exchange knowledge, discover new products and services, and foster partnerships that will contribute to the creation of sustainable agricultural systems in Rwanda and the wider region.
At the opening ceremony, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, Eric Rwigamba, underscored the importance of collaboration within the agricultural sector to achieve food security.
He called on stakeholders to identify scalable solutions and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continued investment in agriculture.
{{Rwanda and Guinea sign MoU in agriculture}}
On June 3, 2024, Rwanda and Guinea-Conakry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in agriculture and animal resources.
The agreement, signed by Rwanda’s then Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Ildephonse Musafiri, and his Guinean counterpart, Felix Lamah, outlines areas of collaboration in crop and animal production, pest and disease control, and agricultural research.
The MoU encompasses a variety of initiatives, such as sharing knowledge and expertise in plant production, promoting value addition, and expanding market access for agricultural products.
Additionally, it includes the digitalization of agro-input distribution and agricultural insurance, as well as the fostering of innovation and technology transfer.
This partnership not only aims to improve agricultural productivity in both countries but also strengthens ties between Rwanda and Guinea in the pursuit of sustainable agricultural development.
{{Rwanda presents key investment opportunities in agriculture }}
On October 15, 2024, Rwanda showcased its agricultural investment opportunities at the Hand in Hand Investment Forum in Rome, Italy.
The forum, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highlighted the country’s ambition to transform its agricultural sector through substantial investments.
Rwanda presented five key investment opportunities totalling $785 million, focusing on areas with significant growth potential.
These include investments in tea, livestock, potatoes, horticulture, and beef production.
The tea sector alone saw a $289 million investment aimed at expanding cultivation and establishing a new factory in Nyamagabe, while $169.8 million was earmarked for enhancing poultry and pig production.
Additionally, investments of $63.8 million and $222.3 million will support potato production and the expansion of horticulture, respectively, focusing on high-value crops like avocado and chilli peppers.
These investments are aligned with Rwanda’s Fifth Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation (PSTA 5) for 2024-2029, which aims to build resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.
The then Minister of Agriculture, Ildephonse Musafiri, emphasized that these investment opportunities not only promise business growth but also contribute to job creation, especially for women and youth, and to the overall development of the agricultural sector.
{{Rwanda’s agricultural exports reach $3.2 billion over five years}}
Rwanda’s agricultural sector has made significant strides in terms of exports, with revenue from agricultural exports reaching $3.2 billion (over 4.3 trillion Rwandan Francs) between 2020 and 2024. This marked a significant milestone in the country’s agricultural export growth.
In the 2023/2024 fiscal year alone, agricultural exports generated $839.2 million (around Frw1.1 trillion), representing a slight decrease from the previous year.
Despite this, Rwanda continues to see strong export volumes, including 261.6 million kilograms of vegetables, fruits, and flowers, which contributed significantly to the nation’s economy.
Advancements in air transport, particularly through RwandAir, have played a crucial role in expanding Rwanda’s export capacity.
In 2023, RwandAir cargo flights transported 4,595 tons of goods to major international markets, including Dubai, the UK, and Belgium.
Rwanda’s government has set an ambitious goal to double its exports to $7.3 billion over the next five years, with agricultural exports expected to grow significantly as part of this vision.
{{Rwanda hosts Africa Food Systems Forum 2024}}
From September 2-6, 2024, Rwanda hosted the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) in Kigali. The forum brought together over 4,900 participants from across the globe to engage in discussions aimed at transforming Africa’s food systems.
The theme for this year’s forum was “Innovate, Accelerate, and Scale: Delivering Food Systems Transformation in a Digital and Climate Era.”
The forum addressed critical issues such as climate resilience, digital technologies, and the need for inclusive food systems across the African continent.
Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente, called for governments to utilize digital technologies and implement climate-resilient practices to ensure food security for all Africans.
He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders to drive the transformation of agriculture and secure sustainable food systems.
The AFS Forum provided a platform for sharing innovative policies, business models, and technologies that will help move Africa’s food systems forward.
Rwanda’s commitment to embracing innovation and evidence-based policymaking in its agricultural sector was highlighted as a key driver of the country’s ongoing transformation.
{{Rwanda hosts the 6th African Tea Convention and Exhibition}}
In October 2024, Rwanda also had the honour of hosting the 6th African Tea Convention and Exhibition in Kigali.
The event, held from October 9-11 at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village, brought together industry leaders, innovators, and tea enthusiasts from around the world to discuss the future of tea in Africa.
The convention, under the theme “Harmony in the Cup: Promoting Tea for People and the Planet,” attracted 476 delegates, including 108 international participants.
The exhibition showcased a wide array of tea-related products, advanced technologies, and sustainability practices in the tea industry.
The event underscored the importance of promoting environmentally-friendly practices and innovations within the tea sector.
Rwanda, known for its high-quality tea production, was able to demonstrate its leadership in the industry while fostering global collaborations.
{{Rwanda showcases its floriculture at IFTF 2024 in the Netherlands}}
Rwanda’s floriculture sector also took centre stage on the global stage in early November 2024 at the 14th edition of the International Flower Trade Fair (IFTF) in the Netherlands.
As one of the world’s largest flower trade events, IFTF 2024 attracted a record number of exhibitors, including Rwanda’s delegation, which showcased premium flowers under the Rwanda Fresh brand.
The event provided a platform for Rwanda to engage with international buyers, strengthen its position in the global flower market, and showcase the country’s commitment to sustainable floriculture practices.
Rwanda’s participation at IFTF 2024 was a strategic move to elevate its floriculture industry, with experts like Ms. Janet Basiima, Division Manager at the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), highlighting the opportunity to elevate Rwanda’s flowers on a global scale.
The state-of-the-art facility, located in the Nyamyumba Sector of Rubavu District, was opened on Friday, December 6, 2024, during a ceremony graced by Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, alongside Joan Wiegman, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Rwanda, and Alison Thorpe, UK High Commissioner.
The port is poised to revolutionize trade and connectivity, particularly between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Gasore hailed the port as a “key milestone” in Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and regional integration. He emphasized that Rubavu Port would play a pivotal role in improving community livelihoods by boosting trade and creating job opportunities.
Rubavu Port boasts impressive capabilities, with a capacity to handle 700,000 tons of cargo and 2.7 million passengers annually. The two-hectare facility includes cargo and passenger terminals, a wastewater treatment plant, a petrol station, and accommodations for staff.
Since its pilot phase began in June 2024, the port has been fully operational, with traders already benefiting from its modern infrastructure. The facility also provides significant employment opportunities for Rubavu residents, engaging cooperatives of porters to load and unload cargo.
Rubavu Port operates as a One-Stop Border Post, offering seamless services from agencies such as the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), Rwanda Revenue Authority, and Rwanda National Police Marine Unit. Beyond facilitating trade, it caters to tourists exploring the scenic attractions of Lake Kivu in Rwanda’s Western Province.
The port is part of the broader National Strategic Transformation (NST1) plan, which includes the construction of three additional ports on Lake Kivu—Rusizi, Karongi, and Nkora. Once completed, these ports are expected to further ease the transport of goods and passengers, solidifying Rwanda’s position as a regional trade hub.
According to the National Institute of Statistics, the DRC is Rwanda’s second-largest export destination, with $16.2 million worth of goods exported in June 2024 alone.
Traditionally reliant on land routes, the launch of Rubavu Port marks a significant shift toward utilizing Lake Kivu for maritime trade, unlocking new opportunities for regional economic integration and growth.
The victim was reportedly visiting a worker at Rutatina’s farm in Murundi Sector, Kayonza District. The incident allegedly occurred on November 27, 2024, when farm workers, acting under Rutatina’s instructions, attacked the visitor.
Medical reports from the hospital where the victim sought treatment confirm that their condition is steadily improving.
RIB has announced that the case file involving Rutatina and ten of his workers will be handed over to the Prosecution this Friday.
The Bureau has advised citizens to avoid taking justice into their own hands, as such actions are punishable by law. Instead, Rwandans are encouraged to report any grievances to the relevant authorities.
Maj Gen (Rtd) Rutatina retired from the Rwanda Defense Force in 2016, where he previously served as the Head of Military Intelligence (J2).
The announcement was made on December 5, 2024, by Théophile Mbonera, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, during an event hosted by the Legal Aid Forum (LAF) in collaboration with Kenya’s Kituo Cha Sheria, a legal advice center.
The event presented findings from a study conducted between late 2022 and 2023 on the impact of digitization in advancing justice systems in Rwanda and Kenya after Covid-19 pandemic.
The annual number of new cases in Rwandan courts rose from 75,000 in the 2019–2020 period to 89,000 in 2023–2024. This increase highlights how digital tools like IECMS have streamlined judicial processes and enhanced efficiency.
Technology has also played a pivotal role in the operations of mediation committees, known locally as Abunzi, through a system called Ganubutabera. Between June 2023 and June 2024, these committees handled 23,000 cases, achieving an impressive 99% resolution rate.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist, particularly for individuals who are illiterate or live in areas with limited internet access or electricity.
LAF Executive Director Andrews Kananga pointed out that while many Rwandans have embraced digital tools, the study revealed ongoing issues such as literacy barriers, limited connectivity in rural areas, and data security risks associated with using cyber cafés for legal processes.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Justice has implemented measures such as training individuals to assist citizens in navigating IECMS at cyber cafés. However, concerns about privacy and data protection remain, as sensitive personal information may not always be adequately safeguarded.
The government is also advancing initiatives like the “Byikorere” program, which aims to empower citizens to independently use digital justice platforms. Continuous awareness campaigns and skills training are considered essential to ensure broader access and usability.
Mbonera emphasized the importance of these efforts, noting that cyber café services will remain available until digital tools are fully accessible to all citizens. He also acknowledged the significant contributions of non-governmental organizations like LAF in expanding access to justice.
Over the years, LAF has been instrumental in providing legal aid in 120,000 cases, representing 430 individuals in court, advising 14,000 others, and resolving 1,263 cases through mediation. The organization has also facilitated specialized services such as advocacy and DNA testing in 62 cases.
Rwanda’s continued investment in technology, combined with partnerships with civil society organizations, is expected to further enhance its justice system, ensuring it becomes more accessible and efficient for all citizens.
The report, launched at the African Investment Forum on December 4, reveals that the sector reached $1.3 billion in 2024 and is expected to continue expanding rapidly in the coming years.
A key driver of this growth is the $2 billion Bugesera International Airport project, one of the largest infrastructure initiatives in the country.
In addition to the airport project, the report highlights that Rwanda’s construction growth is supported by the implementation of new strategies aimed at boosting key industries, particularly in pharmaceuticals and ICT.
Across East Africa, the construction sector reached $48.1 billion in 2024, accounting for a quarter of Africa’s total construction value.
The region is projected to see this figure nearly double by 2028, reaching $73 billion. Key contributors to this growth include Tanzania’s focus on modern railway construction, Ethiopia’s industrial park developments, and Kenya’s $3.4 billion oil exploration project in South Lokichar, set to commence between 2024 and 2025.
Rwanda’s continued infrastructure development positions it as one of the fastest-growing construction markets in Africa over the next decade.
The launch is expected by January 2025 and will be spearheaded by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC). It will mark a major step forward in the country’s efforts to curb new infections and offer innovative treatment solutions for individuals at high risk of contracting the virus.
The drug, known as long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA), is a new form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). It offers an alternative to daily oral PrEP, requiring only a bi-monthly injection following two initial doses spaced four weeks apart.
Approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022, CAB-LA has been described as a “safe and highly effective prevention tool” for individuals at substantial risk of HIV infection.
According to Dr. Basile Ikuzo, Director of the HIV Prevention Unit at RBC, the drug will initially be introduced on a pilot basis at two health centres.
“We aim to assess client acceptability and determine if it can be a new intervention. If the feedback is positive, we plan to scale it up across the country,” Dr. Ikuzo said in a recent interview with The New Times.
Rwanda’s adoption of CAB-LA also addresses the challenges of adhering to oral PrEP. Many individuals find it difficult to maintain a daily pill routine, making long-acting injectables a more convenient and reliable option.
The rollout will initially target high-risk groups, including female sex workers and discordant couples. Currently, over 10,000 individuals in Rwanda use oral PrEP, representing 30% of those identified as high-risk. The new initiative aims to expand access to prevention services and further lower HIV prevalence among vulnerable groups.
The introduction of CAB-LA aligns with Rwanda’s commitment to meeting and surpassing the UNAIDS “95-95-95” targets, which aim to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV are diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed receive antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
Rwanda has made notable progress in addressing HIV/AIDS, with prevalence rates among high-risk groups showing a steady decline. For instance, HIV prevalence among female sex workers has decreased from 45% a decade ago to 35%. Overall, the HIV prevalence rate among Rwandans aged 15-64 stands at 3%, according to the 2019 Rwanda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (RPHIA).
The Ministry of Health has emphasized the importance of maintaining preventive measures while embracing new solutions.
Minister of Health, Dr. Nsanzimana Sabin, believes that long-acting injectables could alleviate the burden on individuals who require lifelong HIV treatment.
“This approach offers a practical alternative to the daily regimen, ensuring better adherence and improving quality of life,” Dr. Nsanzimana said during a previous address.
The agreement was signed on Thursday, December 5, in Kigali between the Inspector General of Police (IGP) CG Felix Namuhoranye and his visiting counterpart of The Gambia, Gen. Seedy Muctar Touray.
Gen. Touray and his delegation arrived in Rwanda on December 1, for a week-long visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two police institutions.
The cooperation pact guides the two institutions to work together in activities related to fighting transnational crimes and terrorism, exchange of information, training and expertise, among others.
During the bilateral meeting on Monday, December 2, IGP Namuhoranye said that the friendship and collaboration between the RNP and Gambia Police Force is a significant step forward and an opportunity for both sides to strengthen relations, expand their partnership, share knowledge and experience, and to find appropriate solutions to the evolving security challenges.
Gen. Touray also said that this partnership is in the right direction as government of The Gambia is on a journey to reform its security institutions, including Gambia Police Force.
He added that cooperation with the RNP presents an opportunity to learn from each other, particularly learn from Rwanda’s experience in international peace and security operations.
Kigali has recently witnessed a growing urban mobility problem and a high volume of traffic requiring significant adjustments to urban transport design and systems.
Congestion and long queues are prevalent at most major junctions, increasing operating costs, travel times, disruption, and traffic conflicts.
Through “Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project”, Rwanda seeks to put an end to that and improve the efficiency, inclusivity and safety of road transport mobility.
The funds to support this initiative were agreed at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan on 2 December.
The lack of an inclusive urban mobility system, such as dedicated bus lanes, a non-motorised transport system and limited integration between different public transport networks, exacerbates transport problems and has led citizens to opt for motorbike taxis, the number of which is increasing in urban areas, putting users at risk of accidents.
According to Aïssa Touré Sarr, the African Development Bank’s Country Manager for Rwanda, the project will focus on improving three of the seven crucial junctions identified as bottlenecks so as to have more efficient, sustainable and user-friendly urban transport infrastructure.
“Ultimately, the investments should make it possible to mitigate the current and future challenges of urban mobility in Kigali and pave the way for a just transition to a more sustainable and efficient urban transport system, thereby transforming into a low-carbon sector,” she said.
The project provides for the construction of prioritised junctions with provisions for public transport (bus lanes) and non-motorised traffic at the three junctions in question.
It also includes the building of infrastructure to help uplift the social status of communities in Kigali, including the upgrading of bus stops, and safe and well-lit public transport stations that are convenient for nursing mothers and pregnant women, and that will protect waiting bus travellers from the rain.
Pavements and pedestrian crossings to accommodate all citizens, including people with disabilities, will be installed to improve mobility and safety.
The 2022 Population Census indicates that the city of Kigali, which boasted a population of 1.7 million that is expected to grow to 3.8 million by 2050.
Running until December 6, the event brings together key players from the global tourism industry, including tour operators, tourism experts, and media representatives. This marks Rwanda’s eighth participation in the trade show, which has become an essential platform for promoting the country’s high-end tourism offerings.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is leading the delegation, with several prominent tour operators joining the effort to highlight the diverse attractions Rwanda has to offer.
These include Wilderness Safaris, Primates Safaris, Uber Luxe Safaris, Rwanda Eco Company Safaris, Songa Africa Tourism Company, Blue Monkey Tours, Africa Journeys, Wildlife Tours, and Palast Tours and Travel.
IGIHE spoke with representatives from these companies to gather insights on the opportunities presented by the ILTM and the impact of such a global stage on Rwanda’s tourism industry.
Davidson Mugisha, the Managing Director of Wildlife Tours Rwanda, expressed the significance of participating in this elite event, which brings together some of the most influential players in luxury travel. “This market is perfect for anyone looking for a luxury destination in Rwanda,” he said.
“The agents who come here have done their research, and every company represented is carefully selected. It’s an excellent opportunity to promote Rwanda as a high-end destination.”
For Mugisha, this event serves as a vital platform to connect with agents and tour operators who can help position Rwanda as a prime destination for luxury travelers.
Similarly, Lambert Hategekimana from Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris emphasized the value of the ILTM for both networking and showcasing the country’s attractions.
“This is one of the best exhibitions for promoting Rwanda’s national parks, our gorillas, and other unique attractions,” he noted. “We have the chance to meet tour operators from all over the world and introduce them to Rwanda’s destinations.”
Hategekimana also highlighted the exclusivity of the event, saying, “Only select countries are invited to participate in this prestigious fair, and it’s an honor for Rwanda to be represented. We are thankful to the RDB for facilitating our participation and to the embassy for ensuring a smooth process.”
The event also provides tour operators the chance to connect with international travelers and inform them about what Rwanda has to offer. “It is up to us, the entrepreneurs, to tap into this opportunity,” Hategekimana added.
“By showcasing our attractions, we help visitors understand what Rwanda has to offer, ensuring they know where to stay and what services will be available to them.”
For Primate Safaris represented by Marketing Manager, Betty Mutoni, the ILTM offers a valuable opportunity to connect with new clients and expand the company’s reach.
“We have seen this event as a growth opportunity, with more people coming to Rwanda each year. It’s been an incredible platform to show the world the unique experiences we offer,” she said.
Daniella Gaza, representing Songa Africa, also emphasized the incredible opportunity the ILTM has provided for the company.
“Attending ILTM has allowed us to connect with new agents and partners in the luxury travel market, while also strengthening the relationships we’ve built over the years,” she explained.
“Through conversations with agents from around the world, we’ve learned that Rwanda is one of the top-selling destinations globally. We’re promoting it not only as a gorilla destination, but also as a place to experience safaris in Akagera, rainforest adventures in Nyungwe, and so much more.”
Gaza expressed her gratitude to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for facilitating their participation, adding, “We’re already looking forward to returning next year.”
Denis Lefebvre, representing Palast Tours & Travel, shared his impressions of Rwanda at ILTM 2024 and highlighted the country’s appeal.
“Rwanda is indeed a destination we recommend, especially for seasoned travelers,” he remarked.
Lefebvre emphasized the country’s safety, short travel distances, top-notch accommodations, and ease of exploration, making it the perfect choice for a memorable day trip.
Irene Murerwa, Chief Tourism Officer at RDB, expressed excitement about Rwanda’s participation in this prestigious event.
“Visit Rwanda is pleased to take part in the 23rd edition of the ILTM flagship luxury travel trade show, which attracts over 10,000 delegates,” Murerwa said.
Murerwa also took the opportunity to thank the various partners and tour operators for their continued collaboration.
“We want to thank our partners, the tour operators, and the organizers of ILTM Cannes 2024. We will not shy away from discussing the consistent leadership we have in Rwanda,” she noted.
“We are now set to push for Rwanda as one of the biggest luxury travel destinations in the world,” Murerwa added.
Through its participation in events like ILTM, Rwanda is not just solidifying its reputation as a luxury destination but also taking bold steps towards shaping its future in global tourism.