Rwanda: Domestic Tourism Grows, but Affordability Remains a Concern

What the report says

Rwanda is seeing more residents travel inside the country, but affordability is still limiting wider participation in domestic tourism, according to a report by The New Times carried on AllAfrica. The article says many people continue to view travel as mainly for foreign visitors or higher-income households, even as local interest rises. It places the discussion in Kigali and across Rwanda’s national parks, with figures from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) showing domestic park visits rose 8.1% in 2025 to 59,270, while related revenue increased 3.5% to $821,093.

The broader tourism sector also expanded in 2025, generating $685 million in revenue and 1.49 million visitor arrivals, but international tourism still accounts for most earnings. An unnamed RDB official cited travel costs, the perception that tourism is a luxury, and competing household expenses as major barriers. Tourism worker Cyprien Nshyimiyimana, speaking from Nyungwe National Park, said another challenge is limited public familiarity with nature-based tourism and learning-oriented visits.

Akagera National Park drew the largest share of domestic park visitors, followed by Nyungwe and Volcanoes. The article says RDB is trying to make tourism more accessible by linking it to events, sports, wellness and community activities through initiatives such as Tembera u Rwanda. It also notes efforts to widen the offer beyond flagship parks, including urban parks in Kigali, a new zipline and ropes course in Nyungwe, and plans for an eco-park in Musanze. The piece suggests the sector’s next phase will depend on packages that feel more practical for families and local groups.