Rwanda To Host 2023 World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit

Every year, the World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit brings together 1000s of the tourism and travel sector’s leaders, experts, and representatives from the government. The 2023 annual global summit will be held in Rwanda and this is one of the most influential travels and tourism events whose target is to support the travel and tourism industry’s growth and also create a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future within the sector.

The CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) “Clare Akamanzi” expressed her gratitude on behalf of the Rwandan government for having been chosen to host the 2023 WTTC global summit. The event will be held in Kigali’s capital city, the world’s cleanest city. Rwanda is a safe and fast-growing nation in Africa and it is always open for business.

Rwanda is one of the leading African destinations that promote sustainable tourism –both local communities and travelers are considered in the country’s conservation and tourism strategy. Rwanda is home to many conservation organs, particularly, hosting the International Gorilla Conservation Programme and others. During the 2023 World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit, Rwanda will showcase the power of sustainable tourism to protect biodiversity and create thriving local communities.

The decision to hold WTTC’s summit in Rwanda was met during the meeting conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event attracted over 3000 delegates from over 85 states and 250 media delegates. It was during the WTTC summit in Saudi Arabia that the Ministry of tourism also launched Environmental and Social Research. Last year’s event was held in November from 28^th to 30^th.

During the 2022 global summit, the Cities Economic Impact Report (EIR) was also launched. The report is sponsored by Visa and shows cities remain the powerhouse of global tourism and will foster the recovery of the industry and world economies.

Places to visit & what to see/do

In Rwanda, there are several most amazing destinations offering exceptional experiences. If you are interested in primate trekking, you have 3 protected areas to explore- Volcanoes National Park where mountain gorilla trekking is done and for chimpanzee tracking, visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Wildlife/game viewing tours are done only in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savanna-dominated park. The 1122sq.km safari park holds a diversity of wildlife species and birds. The park is home to all the big 5 game –elephants, leopards, African lions, buffaloes, antelopes, giraffes, zebras, birds like shoebill storks, and more.

On Rwanda safaris, visitors are guaranteed of varied experiences including mountain gorilla trekking. 12 habituated families of mountain gorillas are available for trekking and only guests with valid gorilla permits are allowed to visit a family of these endangered species. Each of Rwanda gorilla permit can be booked at USD1500 per person and this is possible during your planning process for the gorilla tour to Volcanoes National Park.

Chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks, nature walks, volcano hiking, Dian Fossey tomb hike, birding, Kigali city tours, cultural tours, and more are among the numerous exciting experiences awaiting you on a Rwanda safari holiday.

Where to stay

During the WTTC global summit 2023, no need to worry about where to stay within Kigali or on a visit to the country’s safari parks. Within the city, there are classic hotels to consider for an overnight stay and including Hotel Des Mille Collines, The Manor Hotel, Kigali Baobab Hotel, Heaven Restaurant and Boutique Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel, and Convention Center, Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali Marriott Hotel.

Safari lodges in Rwanda include Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Bisate Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Magashi Tented Camp, One and Only Nyungwe House, etc.