Kigali, 23 June, 2013
President Kagame today received the UN World Tourism Organisation, Taleb Rifai, with whom he held discussions on improving tourism and travel as a way of boosting Rwanda’s economy. The Secretary General came to Rwanda to attend the annual Kwita Izina event in Musanze.
Speaking to the press after meeting with President Kagame, the WTO Secretary General said he was impressed by the political will and commitment by the Government of Rwanda to promote tourism:
“I had the opportunity to meet with President Kagame and present to him details of the awareness campaign on travel and tourism internationally. Travel and tourism can transform Rwanda’s future and I am impressed by the political will and the commitment that Rwanda Government is showing in promoting tourism as a component of sustainable economic development.”
Clare Akamanzi, the CEO of RDB said it was a great honour to have the UN World Tourism Organisation come to Rwanda to attend Kwita zina even because this also provided an opportunity for Rwanda to strengthen relationship with the organization and tap into its vast resources and expertise:
“We are happy to strengthen cooperation with the WTO and work together towards boosting tourism in Rwanda as the sector continues to play a big role in our economy. Working with the WTO will help us reach out to attract tourists from countries like China and Russia and also develop and promote other tourist attractions in the country.”