Rwanda to celebrate the 15th edition of Kwita Izina

Rwanda is gearing up to celebrate the 15th edition of Kwita Izina, a special event where about 25 baby gorillas will be named. The country, known for its conservation efforts and thriving tourism industry, has seen significant growth in visitor numbers and revenue in recent years. CNBC Africa's Zwena Bachoo sat down with Belise Kariza, Chief Tourism Officer of Rwanda Development Board, to discuss the notable highlights of this year's event. One of the key themes of this milestone edition is the celebration of 15 years of conservation and the country's positioning in the global tourism landscape. This anniversary reflects Rwanda's commitment to conservation practices and sustainable tourism, which have garnered international recognition. The event will feature a lineup of namers including celebrities, philanthropists, and local community members who have made significant contributions to tourism and conservation both locally and globally. Additionally, Rwanda has partnered with the Africa Leadership University to host a conference focusing on the business aspect of conservation, highlighting the importance of sustainable growth in the industry. The inclusion of a concert featuring international R&B artist NIO and local talent Medi aims to elevate Kwita Izina by using music to engage with a wider audience, particularly the youth, in promoting conservation efforts. This creative approach seeks to raise awareness and garner support for conservation initiatives among diverse demographics. Over the years, Rwanda has witnessed a significant increase in visitor numbers, with 1.7 million tourists visiting the country in 2018. This growth can be attributed to various initiatives such as the 'Visit Rwanda' deal with Arsenal and the rise in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) activities, which have boosted revenues significantly. The country has also attracted interest from investors and government agencies seeking to learn from Rwanda's progress in sectors like women empowerment, youth development, and technology. The reinvestment of revenue back into communities through programs like revenue shares and poverty reduction initiatives underscores Rwanda's commitment to holistic development. In 2018 alone, Rwanda Development Board shared 1.4 billion in revenue with local communities, supporting projects that enhance livelihoods and infrastructure in areas surrounding national parks. Looking ahead, Rwanda aims to target 800 million visitors by 2024, with significant progress already made towards this goal. Through collaboration with the private sector and a strategic focus on increasing leisure and MICE visitors, the country is well-positioned to achieve this ambitious target. The government's high-end strategy underscores its commitment to sustainable growth and positioning Rwanda as a premier tourism destination in Africa.