On Wednesday, November 1, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and Vice President Prosper Bazombanza of Burundi arrived in Rwanda to participate in the 23rd World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit. The summit, which began on November 1 and spans three days, will also feature keynote speeches from Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé. With over 2,000 participants expected, the event aims to acknowledge the recent growth of the travel and tourism sector across the continent while addressing the challenges it faces.

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This marks the inaugural occasion for the WTTC to hold its conference in Africa, a choice driven by the continent’s expanding potential. The organizers attribute the decision to Africa’s status as the world’s second-largest and second-most populous continent, highlighting its abundant offerings in travel and tourism. The program emphasizes Africa’s capacity to provide inspiring tourism experiences and impart valuable lessons on becoming Guardians of Nature.

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“It boasts the world’s most youthful population, as per the United Nations, revealing that 70 percent of individuals in sub-Saharan Africa are below the age of 30. Undoubtedly, it is a continent filled with promise,” the statement emphasized.

Organized jointly by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the WTTC stands out as the premier annual summit in the travel and tourism realm. This event serves as a pivotal gathering for numerous industry leaders, experts, and government officials, fostering collaboration to bolster sectoral growth and progress towards a future marked by safety, resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.

With the overarching theme of ‘Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future,’ the summit anticipates hosting diverse sessions on topics such as resilience and sustainable development, the increasing influence of AI, and insights into emerging markets. Additionally, the event will delve into the sector’s key challenges and opportunities, providing a comprehensive overview of the current landscape.

Organizers emphasized that the summit presents a timely occasion for Rwanda to highlight the impact of sustainable tourism in its development, while also demonstrating how sustainable tourism can play a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity and fostering vibrant communities.

Rwanda is targeting a twofold increase in its tourism earnings, aiming to surpass the $445 million (approximately Rwf 546 billion) generated in 2022 to exceed $800 million (approximately Rwf 983 billion) as outlined in its seven-year National Transformation Strategy. The WTTC Global Summit 2023 is positioned to serve as the driving force behind this growth, providing a space where innovative ideas intersect with opportunities and reshaping the landscape of travel and tourism for the future, according to organizers.

In a connected advancement, the WTTC anticipates that the travel and tourism industry will play a substantial role in Rwanda’s economy, contributing over $2.1 billion (approximately Rwf 2.5 trillion) and creating nearly 568,000 jobs by 2033. This projection is based on Rwanda’s dedication to sustainable tourism, efforts to diversify the range of experiences available, and the promotion of awareness regarding its abundant biodiversity, culture, heritage, and art.