Tourism and MICE in Rwanda
The sector in figures
| Indicator | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism revenue | USD 647 million | USD 685 million |
| MICE revenue | USD 84.8 million | USD 94.7 million |
| MICE events | — | 165 |
| International arrivals | — | 1.49 million (+9%) |
Hotels and restaurants added RWF 896 billion to GDP in 2025, 3.8% of the total. Their output dipped 2% in 2025 and grew 5% in the second quarter of 2026.
Nature and the national parks
Rwanda has four national parks: Volcanoes, home to mountain gorillas; Nyungwe, a montane rainforest with chimpanzees; Akagera, a savannah park with the Big Five; and Gishwati-Mukura. A share of park revenue goes to the communities around them.
Gorilla trekking dominates leisure spending. In a 2025 survey by the National Institute of Statistics, gorilla trekking made up 71.4% of holiday visitors’ spending on activities, and travel exports reached USD 161.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Conferences and events
The Kigali Convention Centre and BK Arena have made Kigali a regular host of African and global meetings. Major sports events, such as the 2025 UCI Road World Championships and the Basketball Africa League, add to the calendar.
Where investors fit in
- Mid-range and upscale hotels in Kigali for business and conference visitors.
- Eco-lodges near the national parks and on Lake Kivu.
- Tour operators, transport and guiding services.
- Event venues, destination management and conference services.
- Training of hospitality staff.
Tourism businesses are licensed and graded by RDB, and large hotel projects can register for an investment certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does tourism earn Rwanda?
USD 685 million in 2025 from 1.49 million international visitors.
What is MICE worth?
Conferences, incentives and events brought in USD 94.7 million from 165 events in 2025.
Which national parks does Rwanda have?
Four: Volcanoes, home to mountain gorillas; Nyungwe, a montane rainforest; Akagera, a savannah park with the Big Five; and Gishwati-Mukura.
How important is gorilla trekking?
In a 2025 survey, it made up 71.4% of holiday visitors’ spending on activities.
Sources
- Rwanda Development Board: Strong performance across investment, exports and tourism in 2025
- Rwanda Development Board: Rwanda prepares for the 21st Kwita Izina
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: GDP national accounts, second quarter of 2026, tables
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: GDP national accounts 2025
- National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda: Travel Expenditure Survey, second semester of 2025
- Rwanda Development Board: Tourism services
Figures checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
