Rwanda Earns Over Rwf236.8 Billion from Tourism in Three Months

Kigali, March 12, 2026 - Rwanda generated more than Rwf236.8 billion (approximately $161.5 million) in tourism revenue over a three-month period from November 2025 to January 2026, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda. The figures highlight tourism as a key driver of the country’s economy, with significant contributions from both air and land arrivals. Visitors entering Rwanda by air accounted for the largest share of revenue, generating $136.7 million. Leisure travelers, including those visiting for holidays and tourism activities, contributed more than $65 million, with gorilla tourism alone accounting for at least 71.4% of that segment. Regionally, visitors from North America were the top contributors, generating $40.8 million. This performance is partly attributed to Rwanda’s strategic international marketing efforts, including partnerships with major U.S. sports teams such as the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Rams under the “Visit Rwanda” campaign. The initiative builds on earlier collaborations with European football clubs including Arsenal FC, Paris Saint-Germain, and FC Bayern Munich. These partnerships aim to boost Rwanda’s global visibility and attract high-value tourists and investors, particularly from the United States, a major source market for international travel. Land border entries also contributed to tourism earnings, generating $24.9 million, largely from visitors traveling for family and social purposes. Most land arrivals came through key border points linking Rwanda with neighboring countries including Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Tanzania. The report further indicates that Rwandans traveling abroad spent over $95.9 million during the same period, with air travelers accounting for the largest share of expenditures. Countries within the East African Community remained the primary destinations. Education emerged as a leading reason for travel, both for visitors entering Rwanda and Rwandans traveling abroad, with students typically recording the longest stays. Tourism remains a cornerstone of Rwanda’s economic strategy. In 2024, the country welcomed 1.36 million international visitors, generating $647 million in revenue. Authorities are now targeting $1 billion in annual tourism revenue by 2029, as part of broader efforts to expand the sector and strengthen its contribution to national growth.