UNECA's Geoffrey Manyara on the impact of tourism to Rwanda's economy

Rwanda's tourism sector has been a focal point of discussion and analysis as the Rwanda Development Board recently launched a study on the country's satellite accounts to quantify the industry's contribution to the economy. The study aims to shed light on the demand for goods and services associated with tourism and its overall impact on various sectors within the economy. CNBC Africa had the opportunity to speak with Geoffrey Manyara, a tourism expert at UNECA, to delve deeper into the sector's significance and the challenges and opportunities it presents. The discussion revolved around the recent increase in pricing for gorilla tourism in Rwanda, the importance of tourism satellite accounts, and strategies for enhancing the success of the tourism industry. Manyara emphasized the pivotal role of tourism in driving conservation efforts and sustainability. He highlighted the need to strike a balance between increasing demand and preserving the delicate ecosystem of gorillas in Rwanda. Manyara also touched upon the significance of tourism satellite accounts in providing a comprehensive understanding of the true value of the tourism industry. He noted that Rwanda is among the few countries in Africa to successfully develop tourism satellite accounts, which can help in justifying government funding for the sector. Manyara explained the challenges faced by countries in Eastern Africa in establishing standardized methodologies for data collection and analysis, stressing the importance of using uniform methods recommended by international organizations like the United Nations World Tourism Organization. The interview also delved into the complexities of measuring the direct, indirect, and induced impacts of tourism on the economy, with Manyara outlining the ongoing efforts to develop models that can simulate the effects of various factors, such as changes in pricing or new attractions, on the industry's revenue generation. The conversation extended to the concept of tourism competitiveness and the need for countries to focus on domestic tourism as a foundation for sustainable growth. Manyara addressed the misconception that international markets are more crucial than regional and domestic tourism, emphasizing the untapped potential of local and regional tourist segments. He underscored the importance of understanding the diverse preferences of different market segments and tailoring tourism offerings accordingly. Manyara also discussed the upcoming phases of the tourism satellite accounts exercise in Rwanda, highlighting the capacity-building efforts and on-ground implementation strategies. He emphasized the importance of sustainability and institutional capacity building to ensure the continued success of the project. Manyara shared insights on the challenges faced in gathering data from service providers and the importance of creating awareness about the significance of such studies. The interview concluded with a discussion on the potential of sharing Rwanda's tourism data with international players, leaving the decision on data accessibility to the Rwandan government. Overall, the conversation with Geoffrey Manyara shed light on the multi-faceted nature of Rwanda's tourism sector and the strategies needed to harness its full potential for economic growth and conservation.