Information received from Rwandan participants in this year’s 9th edition of African Travel Market / AKWAABA in Lagos Nigeria tells the story of yet another Rwandan success at a tourism trade fair. The Rwandan stand was voted, by participants and other exhibitors, as the best stand of the trade fair. Rwanda had brought their Intore dancers and drummers with them to Nigeria and their displays of the gracious Rwandan dances must have made all the difference for the ‘voters’ in acknowledging the effort of the delegation from the land of a thousand hills.
RwandAir had earlier on already taken the prize for ‘Best short haul airline in Africa’ and taking the overall exhibitor award crowned Rwanda’s presence at the Lagos fair.
RwandAir now connects Lagos daily with Kigali and the number of visitors to and from each country has risen sharply since the introduction of direct flights and Rwanda’ abolishing the requirement for advance Visa for citizens of AU member countries, now giving them on arrival in Kigali – something many hope Nigeria will soon reciprocate as that particular issue is often cited as the greatest obstacle to increasing visitor numbers even further. Many members of the Rwandan delegation, after returning home, will now head to London to attend the World Travel Market and hope to generate equal interest in visits to their country. Congratulations go to Team Rwanda, well done once again.
