A delegation of tourism industry players from Rwanda is participating at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, United Kingdom (UK) this week to attract visitors to visit the country for memorable travel experiences.
WTM is a leading travel fair attended by more than 50,000 travel professionals from the UK and the world every year. The UK is Rwanda’s second top tourism source market after the United States.
During the fair, taking place from 7 – 9 November, representatives from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), led by the Chief Tourism officer, tour operators, and hospitality sector will network, learn from their peers from across the world as well as explore new opportunities of raising travel interest to Rwanda.
Speaking at the fair, RDB’s Chief Tourism Officer, Michaella Rugwizangoga noted:
“WTM in London brings together the globe’s leading travel agents and we are excited to provide a platform for Rwandan travel industry players to connect with their international colleagues and foster new business relationships. We are pleased to see travel professionals excited about Rwanda as a prime ecotourism destination.”
The companies exhibiting at the Visit Rwanda stand include RwandAir, Primate Safaris, Wilderness Safaris, Thousand Hills Africa, International Tours and Travel, King’s Safaris, International Travel Agency, Kingfisher Journeys, Wildlife Tours Rwanda, G-step Tours, Hills in the Mist Tours, Earth Wanderer Ltd and Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris.
Prior to WTM, the Rwandan delegation embarked on a Rwanda Tourism Roadshow in three UK cities – Manchester, Glasgow and London where they met and held B2B meetings with UK travel buyers. The events saw lively networking and a showcase of Rwandan culture by a traditional dance troupe from the Rwandan Community in the UK. Between Manchester and Glasgow, the delegation travelled via a Visit Rwanda branded coach which caught the eye of onlookers.
On the final stop of the roadshow, Arsenal Football Club and England legend David Seaman and his wife Frankie joined the event for a fun question and answer session to discuss their experience of visiting Rwanda in June this year. David Seaman praised Rwanda as a destination and added there is so much more to see and do than gorilla tourism, whilst Frankie commended the technological innovations she witnessed in the country.