Rwanda opens for tourism; webinar to showcase treasures
DUBAI
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Rwanda's diverse offerings include Gorilla tracking
Rwanda Development Board is organising a webinar inviting travel agents and tour operators to rediscover Rwanda’s treasures and tap into insightful discussions with some of the region’s leading travel providers and influencers.
The expert panel is expected to share the latest travel trends, new luxury itineraries, adventure and nature tourism opportunities, gorilla tracking safaris and some of the lesser known gems of the East African nation.
This afternoon, TTN spoke to Emmanuel Hategeka, Ambassador of Rwanda to the UAE:
"Any time is the best time to visit Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills. We have great weather throughout the year, we have the friendliest, most welcoming people, we are indeed the best kept secret of East Africa. Rwanda is open for tourism. Come, discover us through our webinar,” he says.
Taking place on Tuesday, August 25, from 11 am to 12.30 pm, the informative webinar will feature Ambassador Hategeka; Belise Kariza, Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board; Philippe Zuber, CEO Kerzner International Bonita Mutoni Chairperson, RTTA; Timothy Njihia, Country Manager, Rwandair Mohammed Al Rais Deputy MD, Al Rais Travel; Nasir Khan, CEO, Al Naboodah Travel; Haya Yasmeen, TV Presenter, MBC1; Facundo Rua, Managing Director, Fursan Travel.
“Rwanda has diverse offerings for all tourists from trekking the majestic mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to going on a savannah safari to spot the ‘Big 5’ in Akagera National Park. Apart from visiting the national parks, tourists can also enjoy a variety of kayaking, cycling, hiking and bird watching to list but a few of the remarkable attractions and exciting things to do in Rwanda,” the Ambassador tells TTN.
Rwanda has reopened for domestic tourism since June 17. International tourism has also resumed for visitors travelling with charter flights for both individuals and groups. Commercial flights to Rwanda have resumed on August 1 this year. To ensure the safety and health of passengers, crews and staff, airport operations will adhere to guidelines developed by the Ministry of Health and ICAO council recovery recommendations.
“Rwanda is the first country on the African continent to implement a complete lockdown in March – we take safety very seriously,” said Ambassador Hategeka.
“Rwanda was recently named among the first few countries to receive the world’s first-ever global safety and hygiene stamp, launched recently by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The safety stamp means that Rwanda has adopted the global standardised health and hygiene protocols that were devised following the experience of WTTC members dealing with Covid-19.”
Rwanda has been vigilant in containing the outbreak of Covid-19. All passengers including those in transit, will be required to show proof of a Covid-19 PCR negative test from a certified laboratory, taken within 120 hours of arriving in Rwanda.
For passengers entering Rwanda, a second PCR test will be conducted upon arrival with results delivered within 24 hours, during which time visitors will be staying at one of the designated hotels.
All resumed services will adhere to health guidelines including hand hygiene, mask wearing and social distancing. In coordination with Rwanda Ministry of Health, all essential park staff have been tested and screened to ensure the safety and health monitoring of the gorillas.
For tourists who defer their visits to a future date, there will be no penalty and park permits can be rescheduled for up to two years.
