For while now World Tourism Day is celebrated on 27 September to create awareness among communities both local and international about the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic values. However, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) used the opportunity to launch an encouraging campaign for Rwandans to feel and experience the beauty of their country.
Speaking during a media briefing on September 29 in Kigali, Belise Kariza, the chief tourism officer at RDB, said that the launch of the campaign, which has been christened Tembera U Rwanda-Jump on the Bus, is part of the country’s World Tourism Day celebrations. World Tourism Day is celebrated every year on September 27.“This year’s World Tourism Day theme, ‘Tourism for all’, is a call for all of us to change our traditional way of thinking that tourism is for the rich, for international travelers, but rather everyone can be a tourist in his local environment and discover his country’s rich biodiversity, history and unique culture,” Ms Kariza said.
This campaign touched many Rwandan people to start heading out for different Rwanda trips and adventures depending on interest and Budget. Following the press launch, Rwanda Development Board and conservation staff, local journalists and tourism stakeholders dedicated a two days tour started from Kigali to the Heritage corridor, Huye district, passing through iconic cultural sites in Kamonyi, Muhanga, Ruhango and Nyanza, which symbolizes how one can enjoy Rwanda’s breathtaking sceneries, unique culture and history.
“For every stopover, we’ll have a chance to meet a local storyteller who will give a brief on the historical and cultural aspects of that specific site,” Ms Kariza told journalists. The two day Rwanda trip started on September 3oth- October 1st 2016. The new domestic Rwanda travel set to run for three months features Rwanda holiday packages that are fun, accessible and affordable. Also during the campaign Kariza added that Rwandans will only pay for accommodation and they will provide transport and key access to tourism destinations therefore all Rwandans are invited bare witness in different travel destinations.
“We are providing transport and access to key tourism destinations and we invite Rwandans to bear witness to the remarkable experience in Rwanda well-known by the international market,” .RDB’s Kariza said, adding that during the campaign Rwandans will only have to pay for accommodation. Also the travel records of Rwanda Development Board show that domestic tourist’s numbers are still low even though 61% of the total number of tourists to Akagera National park is locals but there is need for more locals to join the wagon of travel. In addition, the first half of 2016 shows that 37 % of the total number of visitors to Nyungwe forest is locals and volcanoes National park only recorded 14 %. However, this campaign is meant to remind Rwandans that their stunning country isn’t only for foreigners but for then also to enjoy and experience the best of what nature has to offer.