Rwanda to host Africa Hotel Investment Forum

Rwanda is gearing up to host the Africa Hotel Investment Forum, a pivotal event for the hospitality and tourism industry on the continent. The forum, set to commence tomorrow, will bring together key players in the international and local markets to deliberate on investment opportunities in tourism projects, infrastructure, and hotel development across Africa. Frank Murangwa, the Head of MICE at the Rwanda Development Board, recently sat down with CNBC Africa to shed light on the significance of this forum and Rwanda's readiness to host it. Murangwa expressed the country's eagerness to host the prestigious conference, emphasizing its strategic importance as Rwanda focuses on prioritizing the tourism sector for economic growth. The Africa Hotel Investment Forum is renowned as one of the leading investment platforms in the African hotel industry, making its presence in Rwanda a significant milestone. One of the key highlights of the discussion was Rwanda's robust preparations for the event, showcasing collaboration between the industry, private sector, and government to ensure the forum's success. Noteworthy hotel openings in the 4 and 5-star categories have added 700 rooms to the market, ensuring ample accommodation options within Kigali, the hosting city for the forum. With an eye on tourism revenue, Murangwa touched on the growth prospects in hosting conferences. By leveraging the Kigali Convention Centre and other facilities, Rwanda has seen a surge in the number of international conferences hosted annually, aligning with the national strategy to boost tourism revenues and meet economic development targets. The conversation also delved into the evolution of Rwanda's tourism sector, noting a substantial increase in tourism revenue from 2014 to 2015. The focus on value addition and sustainability post-visitor arrivals has been instrumental in driving revenue growth and creating opportunities for partnership and learning with international investors. Addressing challenges in the hospitality industry, particularly customer service, Murangwa highlighted initiatives by both the government and private sector to enhance service quality. Specialized training schools and skill development programs have been instrumental in elevating Rwanda's reputation in customer service excellence. As Rwanda looks beyond Kigali, investments in tourism development are expected to flourish across the country. The Kivuw Belt tourism region, extending from Giseyi to Rusizi, is earmarked as a priority area for tourism growth and diversification, offering visitors unique experiences and investment opportunities. The Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Rwanda serves as a testament to the country's commitment to fostering a vibrant hospitality and tourism sector, driving economic growth and showcasing Rwanda as a prime destination for investment and leisure. With strategic initiatives in place and a strong focus on service excellence, Rwanda is poised to make a lasting impact on the African hospitality landscape.