Rwanda Wins Top Honor for Best Tourism Infrastructure in Africa

Rwanda has been recognized as the African country with the best and most advanced tourism infrastructure, earning top honors at the African Tourism Awards 2025, an annual event that celebrates excellence in the continent’s tourism industry.

The prestigious award ceremony took place in London, United Kingdom, on November 2, 2025, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, and tourism innovators from across Africa.

According to Johnston Busingye, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the UK, the country was honored for its outstanding facilities — including world-class hotels, eco-lodges, and modern conference venues — that have significantly boosted Rwanda’s appeal as a leading tourism and events destination.

Rwanda’s recognition came alongside nominations in other categories, such as Best Tourism Country and Best National Park, with Volcanoes National Park among the top contenders. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) was shortlisted among Africa’s top tourism organizations, while Visit Rwanda was acknowledged for its innovative tourism promotion initiatives.

Over the years, Rwanda has heavily invested in high-end hospitality and sustainable tourism infrastructure. Landmark establishments such as Kigali Marriott Hotel, Kigali Serena Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel & Kigali Convention Centre, and the soon-to-open Mövenpick Kigali have all played a key role in positioning Kigali as a hub for international meetings and events.

Beyond the capital, luxury eco-lodges like One & Only Gorilla’s Nest and Wilderness Bisate near Volcanoes National Park have elevated Rwanda’s profile in conservation-based and luxury tourism.

_{Beautiful hotels were among the key reasons Rwanda received this award, courtesy of Bisate Lodge}

The country also boasts modern venues such as BK Arena, Stade Amahoro, and Kigali Convention Centre, which regularly host major conferences, sports, and cultural events.

In 2024, Rwanda’s tourism sector generated $647 million (approximately Rwf 932 billion) — a 4.3% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven by a 27% rise in gorilla tourism revenue and an 11% increase in air travel.

That same year, Rwanda welcomed over 1.36 million visitors and hosted more than 115 conferences and events, attracting over 52,000 participants from around the world. Meetings and conference tourism alone contributed over $84.8 million to the economy.

The African Tourism Awards, also known as the Balearica Awards, were launched in 2017 in Nigeria and are managed by Africa Tourism Awards Ltd, a UK-registered organization. The awards aim to promote innovation, sustainability, and excellence within Africa’s rapidly evolving tourism landscape.

Rwanda has been recognized as the African country with the best and most advanced tourism infrastructure