BusinessTravel Guide
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Rwanda
The perfect combination
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Rwanda Overcoming historic adversity, Rwanda is a country now full of hope and ambition for the future, building its economy through an ever-growing tourism industry and prudent investments Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Joe Palliser
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wanda has come a long way since the horrific genocide that struck the country in 1994, and today is recognised as a survivor and one of Africa’s most stable nations with a bright future ahead. Tourism in the country has been a key contributor to rebuilding its economy, offering a multitude of incredible explorative trips into the mountains to get a real taste of Rwanda’s natural beauty. Even on the busiest of business trips, making time to track mountain gorillas through the Virungu volcanoes is a sight not to be missed and an incredible experience you will always remember. Over the past few years in particular,
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the country has embraced a newfound optimism which is helping the country look to the future instead of dwelling on the past. With that in mind Rwanda has an abundance of sights to enjoy, from the Akagera National Park to Inema Art Center there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Home to a selection of large cities, Rwanda’s capital, Kigali is located at the central point of the country and spans several ridges and valleys. The perfect combination for a business trip of luscious hillsides and bustling streets, Kigali is one of the most beautiful capital cities in Africa as well as the safest and makes for an exceptional base for you during your time away from home.
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FACTS & FIGURES
Languages: Kinyarwanda Area: 26,388km2 Population (2015): 11,262,564 GDP (2017): $24.717 billion Currency: Rwandan Franc (RWF)
Time zone: UTC + 2 Dialling code: +250 Internet TLD: . .rw Climate: Tropical highland
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The Business End OVER THE PAST two decades, Kigali has played a pivotal role in the country’s rebuilding efforts, which have subsequently; encouraged an influx of FDIs into Rwanda. Subsequently with that investment, the capital city has witnessed a cosmopolitan rebirth which has seen the arrival of an array of new skyscrapers, international hotels and an incredible selection of dining options. Business in Rwanda has been on an upward trajectory in recent years and
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with that has seen an introduction of many prominent companies housed within the ever increasing range of new buildings across the city, including the BCDI Tower, Centenary House, Kigali City Tower and Kigali Convention Centre. Tourism has and will always be an incredibly important part of the economy for Rwanda and is one of the fastest growing sectors in the country. The boom in tourism came when the Rwandan Government identified the
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industry and a large influx of funds was spent on renovating the existing facilities available. The country’s capital Kigali has been split into three administrative districts which include Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge. Gasabo is home to both the presidential office and a large amount of the ministry offices, while the Kicukiro district serves as the meeting place for a large number of NGOs.
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Out & About THERE ARE NUMEROUS enticing places to see when it comes to exploring Rwanda, but no trip would be complete without spending time in the capital city. The Country’s centre of politics and commercial life is the developing show-piece of Rwanda’s rebirth, designed specifically to impress visitors ranging from tourists to foreign businesses. Alongside the city’s enticing business district which you will undoubtedly spend time in during your trip, there are many sights to see within the city
to pay homage to its rich history. Chief among them is the Presidential Palace Museum - the formal abode of President Habyarimana - where you can get a guided tour to provide an insight into life as an African dictator. Perhaps if you are looking for something a little more light-hearted to do in your spare time then ten-pin bowling could provide an evening’s entertainment for you and your colleagues and of course not forgetting the numerous wonderful dining options to enjoy.
There is a particularly interesting mix of influences in the food you will find in the country, particularly in Kigali where there is a strong Belgium culinary influence which includes plenty of beef, freshwater fish and endless fresh vegetables. You will find it is a particularly relaxed dining experience in Rwanda, with most places taking approximately 45 minutes for your food to arrive. However, if you are looking for a quick snack, there are several African buffet style restaurants located all over the major cities.
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Rwanda Convention Bureau RWANDA HAS PUT measures in place to develop new infrastructures and renovate its existing facilities, particularly in the tourism and conferencing industry. In order to aid this development the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) was launched in May, 2014, starting with the purpose of conducting meetings, incentives, conventions, conferences and exhibitions under the tourism department within the Rwanda Development Board. Here, the Bureau explains the exciting developments in place to make Rwanda one of the preferred MICE destinations within East Africa. Africa Outlook (AfO): Since inception, how has Rwanda Convention Bureau developed and progressed in terms of its key
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objectives and the messages it tries to get across? Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB): RCB has played a crucial role in the growth of the economy of Rwanda. Since its beginning, MICE tourism has contributed to the overall tourism receipt as follows: US$29 million in 2014, $38 million in 2015 to $47 million in 2016. The objective of being a preferred MICE destination in East Africa has been successfully reached by hosting high level conferences such as African National Championship(CHAN), World Economic Forum on Africa, Africa Union Summit, The Global Africa Investment Summit, Africa Hotel Investment and Aviation Development Forum, 28th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol and so many others.
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AfO: To this end, how would you say Rwanda has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal? RCB: Rwanda has developed in a remarkably good way. To emphasise the situation, in 2014, the International Convention and Congress Association (ICCA) ranked Rwanda on the 13th position in terms of a MICE destination’s in Africa. In 2015, Rwanda climbed to the 7th position and now we are proud to see that Rwanda is the third highest ranked MICE destination in Africa, after South Africa and Morocco. The country has significantly invested in MICE infrastructure with several meeting venues with capacities ranging from 50 to 2,600. In terms of hospitality, a mixture of international
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with the opening of new routes by RWANDAIR will allow Rwanda to stay competitive in the market place. The Rwanda Convention Bureau will also attend renowned exhibitions in the MICE sector such as IMEX Las Vegas and IBTM Barcelona to promote Rwanda as a MICE destination.
hotels such as Marriott, Park Inn and Radisson BLU has been launched in the past year together with some local hotels brands such as Ubumwe Grande Hotel. Another key reason behind the growing appeal is that Rwanda offers a high level of safety and security. The World Economic Forum report of 2017, ranked Rwanda as 9th safest country in the world and 1st in Africa. Rwanda is also a clean country located in the central part of Africa with streamlined on arrival visa policies which makes accessibility more lined. AfO: What is in store for Rwanda over the course of 2017 and beyond to continue the good work already commenced and to enhance its reputation as a tourism and business travel hub further in the future?
RCB: In the coming months, Rwanda will host some important events like Africa Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) which will bring in, a total of more than 1,000 delegates. In addition, meeting venues under construction and ease of access
AfO: Finally, looking forward, if we were to speak again in three-five year’s time, what progress and development would you hope and expect to be able to report back, both in regards to the Rwanda Convention Bureau as an entity, and in regards to the business travel industry in Rwanda as a whole? RCB: I hope in three years time Rwanda will have many international hotels brands with meeting and exhibitions facilities which will allow us to host a growing calendar of international events.
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Outlook Recommends “A front-row seat to the jungle” - Lonely Plant
MUSEUMS
RESTAURANTS
National Museum of Rwanda Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum of Natural History Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel Brachetto Restaurant L’epicurien HOSPITALITY
NATIONAL PARKS Nyungwe Forest National Park Volcanoes National Park Akagera National Park
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel Hotel Karisimibi Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre 8
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RETAIL Rwanda Clothing Store M Peace Plaza Kigali Heights
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Welcome to Karisimbi Hotel, a 3 star contemporary stylish hotel situated in a quiet suburb of Kiyovu. We provide all the comfort, convenience and efficiency our customers expect. AIR-CONDITIONED ROOMS GALAXY BAR CHATEAUBRIAND RESTAURANT CONFERENCE HALL
HOTEL KARISIMBI
Hotel Karisimbi, 5 KN 41 Street, Kigali, Rwanda Email: info@hotelkarisimbi.com Telephone: +250 782 031003
THE HOTEL ALSO OFFE R S OUTSIDE CATE RING.
Come & explore Rwanda with us!
Your unforgettable experience, starts upon arrival Stylish modern, comfortable and conveniently located in the up and coming suburb of Remera, Grand Legacy Hotel is your ultimate choice for your stay in Kigali. www.grandlegacy.rw | (+250)-788303483
Gorilla trekking Golden monkey Trekking Volcanoes hiking Chimpanzee trekking Nature walks Hot springs visiting Caving tour +250788508228 Skype: hakireginal Wildlife safaris sales@rwandaecocompany.com www.rwandaecocompany.com and more!
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Landmark Attractions National Museum of Rwanda
“The Institute of National Museums of Rwanda (INMR) is a government institution, which was inaugurated in September 18, 1989 with one ethnographic museum based in Huye district-Southern Province officially known as the National Museum of Rwanda. Since 2004 other museums have been opened countrywide… Today INMR is positioning itself as a core stakeholder in promoting Rwandan Cultural tourism, with the aim of national economic development.” - museum.gov.rw
Nyungwe Forest National Park
“Quite simply, Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s most important area of biodiversity. It has been rated the highest priority for forest conservation in Africa and its protected area covers one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Despite
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
“The most famous destination in Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park has become synonymous with mountain gorilla tracking safaris and no visit to the country would be complete without visiting these majestic primates… Volcanoes National Park is the Rwandan section of the great volcanic massif called the Virunga Mountains that straddles the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC.” - expertafrica.com
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its huge biodiversity, Nyungwe is little known outside of East Africa and remains overlooked by many tourists. This is a shame as the park offers some superb hiking and the chance to track chimpanzees that have been habituated to human visits.” - Lonely Planet
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Transport Links
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Get the best discounted Rwanda self-drive rentals and car hire deals
Take a tour to the major attractions of the city including the cultural centers and museums. Visit historic landmarks, indulge in a bit of retail therapy, and dine on local specialty dishes in Rwanda. Whether you prefer to travel alone or with the whole family, we have the best budget rates for your trip on both Car Rentals and Safaris to Rwanda and Uganda.
Crystal Car Hire Rwanda Ltd KN 5 Street, Remera, Kigali, Rwanda T: +250 788 411714, +250 781 449091 E: info@crystalcarhire.com or mugaruralex15@gmail.com
WHEN IT COMES to travelling around Rwanda, there are an abundance of options that will allow for a relatively relaxed trip when it comes to navigating your way around the country. With a reasonable road system – due mostly to its small size – the only major unsealed roads you will encounter are those running along the shoreline or Lake Kivu, which are currently in the process of being sealed. You will find the privately run buses incredibly well organised, better so
than any you will find in the rest of East Africa with regular and scheduled departures. It is advisable to buy your bus tickets at the available bus offices prior to travelling, as you will be guaranteed a seat. Rwanda prides itself on offering efficient and reliable public transport to take you from A to B and with the privately run buses covering the entire country, you won’t find yourself waiting for long to start your day. When you have a little more spare
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time for exploring, you will find most towns small enough to negotiate by foot, however, when in Kigali and Huye both are set across several steep hills so perhaps consider a bus or taxi for the cities. You will find taxis are readily available in Kigali, with moto-taxis providing a cheaper and faster service. You will only really need to make use of them in the capital, however they are available in most other major towns should you need them.
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BusinessTravel Guide joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 676
ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 672
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