After almost three months long of border and airports closure across the world since coronavirus, a global pandemic took twist into economies as different countries contained the spread of the virus by closing up all forms of transport including air travel among other sectors of their economies since March 2020 especially for African nations, seems the wait is over for most countries that tourism contributes greatly to their National Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Since May, some countries started easing lockdowns and reopened up some sectors of their economies, while some continue to contemplate tourism activities, Rwanda now joins Uganda and Tanzania that recently reopened up for Tourism though for Uganda in the meantime focus is on domestic tourism as the country fears opening up borders and the airport as foreign tourists and travels may increase the spread of Covid-19.
Rwanda Development Board (RDB) this week announced the reopening of tourism activities as well as the resumption of international travel for charter flights, effective Wednesday 17 June 2020 considering health and safety guidelines for travelers as a top priority.
The Board together with the private sector will be offering attractive all-inclusive tourism packages for Rwandans and foreign residents. These packages have been designed to showcase Rwanda’s remarkable leisure and recreational experiences, from adventures in the mountains, to memorable excursions in serene landscapes, and a taste of our lively cities.
Commenting on the reopening, Belise Kariza, the Chief Tourism Officer at RDB said: “Rwanda’s tourism industry is adapting to create a safe environment for travelers and operators, in order to thrive in these unprecedented times. We encourage all travel enthusiasts and nature explorers to take advantage of this unique opportunity to venture out and experience the beauty and adventure that our country has to offer.”
However, Promotional offers are available until 31st December 2020 in all National Parks as Gorilla permits are now available at USD 200 for Rwandans & EAC nationals residing in Rwanda, USD 500 for foreign residents and USD 1,500 for international tourists coming with charter flights.
Special packages are available for groups, families and corporates on other products in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks.
Specific precautionary measures are as follows:
Domestic tourists visiting Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks are required to test negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours prior to visiting these attractions. A private test center has been set up at Petit Stade, Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, by appointment only. Other test centers outside Kigali will be communicated as demand grows.
All visitors travelling by charter flights are expected to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to arrival. Tourists will take a second COVID-19 test prior to visiting any tourist attraction.
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