Tourism & Travel News South Africa

Kivu Belt a hotbed for opportunities in luxury and leisure tourism

During a press conference held by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) during the Africa Hotel Investment Forum taking place in Kigali, Rwanda, Chief Tourism Officer, Belise Kariza encouraged participants to discover the various hotel, tourism, and leisure opportunities, especially in the Kivu Belt, that Rwanda has to offer.
Kivu Belt a hotbed for opportunities in luxury and leisure tourism

“Rwanda is a strategic investment choice primarily because we provide a supportive business environment with all necessary services available online 24/7. With tourism being the country’s mainstay, the government is a key stakeholder and has taken great care to develop the necessary infrastructure to support the growth of the sector, such as strong roads, water supply, and electricity,” Kariza said.

The key investment opportunities presented include: a hot spring eco-tourism resort on the Rubavu Peninsula, an entertainment and leisure complex in Rubavu, a five-star golf resort and residential villas, an Ecolodge on Gihaya Island, a premium boutique hotel and tourism center in Rusizi and the completion of a five-star conference and leisure hotel in Rusizi district. The respective projects range in value from $50 up to $152 million.

Rwanda’s western province is a popular tourist destination given its vicinity to the Volcanoes National Park, home of the mountain gorillas and its current offering of lakeside resorts and water sports. According to tourism statistics, the industry registered more than $340m in revenue in 2015, indicating a 10% increase from 2014.

Martijn.Munneke via<p>- Lake Kivu, Rwanda
Martijn.Munneke via Wikimedia Commons

- Lake Kivu, Rwanda

“As we develop more tourism packages, it is important that we diversify our offering in terms of luxury accommodation and amenities for our clients. Lake Kivu is literally paradise on earth and presents the opportunity for Rwanda to become a resort destination,” she added.

The Kivu belt offers a breath-taking, incredible scenery, exquisite weather and accessibility making it attractive holiday destination. The Kivu Belt houses prime lakeside properties, flora and fauna, cultural and heritage sites and nature trails.

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