With record economic contributions and visionary infrastructure investments, Rwanda leads Africa in high-value, eco-conscious tourism, combining wildlife wonders with community empowerment.
Rwanda’s tourism sector has experienced remarkable growth and transformation, becoming a critical pillar of the country’s economy and international identity by 2025. The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda reported that in the second quarter of 2025 alone, Rwanda exported travel services worth approximately $121.7 million, with air arrivals generating about $101.1 million. Remarkably, gorilla tourism contributed over 80% of holiday-related earnings, underscoring the enduring global appeal of this unique wildlife experience. North America remains the top-spending region, contributing $37.7 million in tourism revenue during this period.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) highlighted Rwanda’s travel and tourism sector broke all records in 2024, contributing nearly Fr1.9 trillion to the economy, equivalent to nearly 10% of national GDP and a 17.7% increase from the previous peak in 2019. Employment within the sector also grew, supporting nearly 386,000 jobs. In 2025, robust growth is expected to continue, with WTTC forecasting a 13% increase in economic contribution to about Fr2.1 trillion, supporting over 402,000 jobs or more than 8% of total employment. Domestic and international spending combined are anticipated to reach over Fr2 trillion.
Rwanda adopts a high-value, low-volume tourism model that prioritizes sustainability, environmental conservation, and benefits for local communities. Signature experiences like gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park remain flagship attractions, alongside the expansion of eco-tourism across Akagera and Nyungwe National Parks. The government’s strategic investments in infrastructure, such as the ongoing construction of the new Bugesera International Airport designed to handle 14 million passengers annually, are expected to greatly boost tourism connectivity and visitor numbers in the years ahead.
The tourism sector also benefits significantly from aviation, which contributed an estimated $125 million and sustained nearly 29,000 jobs in 2023, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Rwanda’s air connectivity has improved significantly, growing by 23% within Africa and by over 300% internationally since 2014. Kigali acts as a regional hub, with two-thirds of air passengers either ending their journey in Rwanda or continuing by other means to neighboring countries.
Looking towards 2028 and beyond, projections indicate Rwanda will welcome about 2.2 million visitors by 2028, up from 1.9 million in 2023, with tourism revenue expected to increase to around $452 million. The compound annual growth rate of tourism demand continues at roughly 2% annually, reflecting sustained global interest.
The diversity of Rwanda’s offerings—from the primate-rich Nyungwe Forest and Akagera’s Big Five safaris to culturally immersive experiences in Kigali and the scenic shores of Lake Kivu—combined with a commitment to sustainable, responsible tourism, positions Rwanda as a top emerging destination. Its blend of natural beauty, unique wildlife experiences, and growing infrastructure investments guarantee that Rwanda’s tourism will maintain its upward trajectory, contributing significant economic and social benefits into the future.
