Rwanda Named Best African Country for Tourism Infrastructure at African Tourism Awards

London, United Kingdom - Rwanda has been honored as the African country with the best and most advanced tourism infrastructure at the 2025 African Tourism Awards, held in London on November 2. The prestigious award recognizes countries, institutions, and individuals who have demonstrated excellence and innovation in promoting tourism across the continent.

Rwandan Ambassador to the UK, Johnston Busingye, announced the win, praising Rwanda’s “internationally renowned hotels, eco-lodges, and world-class conference and event facilities.” The recognition underscores Rwanda’s growing reputation as a premier destination for sustainable and luxury tourism in Africa.

Rwanda’s victory comes amid strong competition in several categories, including Best Country in Tourism and Best Park for Volcanoes National Park. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) was also nominated in the Best Tourism Institution category, while Visit Rwanda competed in Best Tourism Development Programmes.

The award highlights Rwanda’s consistent investment in high-end hospitality and infrastructure, such as the Kigali Marriott Hotel, Kigali Serena Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel & Kigali Convention Centre, and the soon-to-open Mövenpick Kigali. These developments have positioned Kigali as one of Africa’s leading hubs for international conferences and events.

Beyond the capital, the government has supported the development of luxury lodges in key tourism regions - including One&Only Gorilla’s Nest and Bisate Wilderness Lodge near Volcanoes National Park - offering visitors premium experiences that blend comfort with conservation.

According to the Rwanda Development Board, the country’s tourism sector generated $647 million in 2024, marking a 4.3% increase from the previous year. The growth was fueled by a 27% rise in gorilla tourism revenues and an 11% uptick in air travel. Rwanda welcomed over 1.36 million visitors and hosted 115 international conferences, attracting more than 52,000 participants and earning $84.8 million from conference tourism alone.

Major facilities such as the BK Arena, Amahoro Stadium, and the Kigali Convention Centre have also strengthened Rwanda’s position as a leading destination for global sports, cultural, and business events.

The African Tourism Awards, popularly known as the Balearica Awards, were established in 2017 and are organized by Africa Tourism Awards Ltd, a UK-based body that celebrates excellence and innovation in Africa’s tourism industry.

Rwanda’s recognition as the continent’s leader in tourism infrastructure affirms its status as a model for sustainable development and a benchmark for African destinations aiming to merge economic growth with environmental stewardship.