Rwanda’s booming hospitality sector

Rwanda has overtaken Kenya to become the second top destination for conferencing and business meetings in Africa, as the country continues to increase investment in infrastructure and ease the cost of doing business. This rise in Rwanda's popularity is attributed to the country's commitment to improving its hospitality sector and attracting international business events. CNBC Africa recently interviewed Rob Kucera, District Director, East Africa for the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, shedding light on the current outlook and future projections for Rwanda's hospitality landscape. Kucera highlighted several key factors contributing to Rwanda's success in the hospitality industry, including the Kigali Convention Centre's ranking as the number two destination for events in Africa, only behind Cape Town. He also discussed the growing interest from international hotel chains in investing in Rwanda, signaling a positive outlook for the country's hospitality sector. The interview also delved into the impact of the Marburg virus outbreak on the sector, with Kucera expressing confidence in the government's ability to contain and manage the situation, despite some conferences being postponed to the following year. Furthermore, Kucera emphasized the importance of supporting local supply chains and promoting economic growth in the region through the hospitality industry. Overall, Rwanda's hospitality sector is poised for continued growth and success, with plans for expansion into neighboring countries and a commitment to providing value for money to visitors.