Visit Rwanda has reported a large increase in the number of UK travellers choosing the country as a tourism destination.
Visitor numbers grew by 21 per cent last year, compared with 2016, with over 16,000 business and leisure travellers going from the UK to Rwanda in 2017.
Rwanda is one of the fastest growing countries in Africa and has seen huge interest from travellers keen to experience a wide range of wildlife, new premium lodges and stunning scenery across the country.
Visit Rwanda, which has just signed a three-year partnership agreement to become the official tourism partner of Arsenal Football Club, has been focusing on promoting the new “tourism circuit” which can be experienced across Rwanda, including all three National Parks at Akagera, Nyungwe and Volcanoes, as well as Lake Kivu and the capital Kigali.
Visitors are also choosing more experiences, such as kayaking, cycling and trekking.
It’s just over 12 months since RwandAir launched services from London Gatwick to Kigali using new Airbus A330 aircraft complete with fully-flat beds and inflight Wi-Fi.
Rwanda continues to rank highly in many of the world’s surveys as a country to do business in.
Clare Akamanzi, chief executive of the Rwanda Development Board, said: “We’re humbled to see so many more UK visitors head to Rwanda.
“We are a clean, green country with the friendliest people in Africa and some of the most beautiful scenery you can find on the continent.
“Rwanda has opened up in recent years, enabling visitors to explore our country safely and in comfort.
“We look forward to welcoming even more UK tourists as we unveil more attractions and accommodation in the coming months.”