(Ecofin Agency) - The Development Bureau of Rwanda (RDB) expects the tourism sector to generate $444 million in 2017, as compared to $404 million in 2016.

According to industry operators, the 10% increase in revenues is largely achievable.

With the introduction of lions and rhinoceros a few weeks ago, Rwanda has expanded its wildlife, with all the big five (lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo) making its safaris much more attractive.

Also, the larger fleet of national carrier RwandAir allows tourists from all over the continent to visit the country, thus boosting tourism revenues.

A few months ago, Rwanda was ranked as the 11th most tourism-competitive nation in Africa by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Over the past months, the Rwandan authorities have implemented various initiatives to make its tourism industry more attractive.

Servan Ahougnon