Rwanda Tourism Thrives with Focus on High-Quality and Safe Hotel Dining
SUMMARY – RWANDA PRIORITIZES HIGH-QUALITY AND SAFE HOTEL DINING TO ENHANCE THE TOURISM EXPERIENCE, LAUNCHING A NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN TO SENSITIZE HOTELS AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS.
Rwanda has become a popular tourism spot in recent times, attracting visitors with its breathtaking scenery and cultural heritage. The country continues to welcome a growing number of travelers. It recognizes the crucial role that high-quality and safe hotel dining plays in elevating the overall tourism experience.
The Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) have initiated a nationwide awareness campaign to educate hotels on the significance of providing secure and high-quality dining experiences. This campaign aims to enable tourists to embark on a culinary journey that creates cherished memories beyond their travels.
Focus on Safety and Quality Food
Jean Bosco Mulindi, director of the RSB Product Certification Unit, emphasized Rwanda’s position as a hub for services, hospitality, and international conferences. Mulindi highlighted the importance of serving safe and quality food in hotels, ensuring visitors’ satisfaction and well-being. Rwanda tourism journey towards compliance with standards is ongoing, with 17 hotels already certified and more than 60 hotels in the certification process.
Mulindi stated that certification efforts will not be limited to hotels alone but will also extend to other services and enterprises involved in catering services. The RSB provides technical assistance to the hospitality industry, ensuring compliance with standards that guarantee food safety.
Food safety takes center stage due to its significance as a source of sustenance. Rwanda, being a services hub in East Africa, places great emphasis on the safety and quality of food. Various campaigns are conducted to promote safe and quality food throughout the country, reflecting the government’s commitment to Rwanda tourism industry.
Hesilo Osire, executive chef of Lemigo Hotel, emphasized their dedication to food safety from the moment it is delivered. They meticulously check the food’s origin, including farm visits, and ensure proper transportation conditions to maintain safe temperatures. Customers frequently inquire about ISO and RSB certification when booking hotels to ensure they consume safe food.
Herman Mondisha, general manager of Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, shared their commitment to ensuring the safety of everything served to customers. They follow a rigorous process that prevents contamination throughout the entire value chain. Mondisha highlighted the Rwandan government’s focus on the importance of meeting international standards in the food and services offered.
Remarkable Growth in Tourism Revenues
Rwanda’s tourism revenues experienced remarkable growth, reaching 445 million U.S. dollars in 2022. That is a 171.3 percent increase from the previous year, according to the latest RDB figures. The country attracted approximately 110,000 visitors to its national parks in 2022, reflecting a substantial increase of 142.4 percent compared to 2021. Rwanda aims to further boost tourism receipts to 800 million dollars by 2024.
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