ICCA ranks Rwanda third most popular destination for conferences and events in Africa
The rankings, which were released by the ICCA on 7, May, are based on the number of association meetings taking place regularly (annually, biannually), rotating between at least three different countries and with at least 50 participants.
The association meetings organized by Rwanda included several high-level conferences such as Africa Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), Board Meeting of the Global Fund (BMGF), Annual Tourism Conference of the Africa Travel Association (ATA) and Annual General Assembly of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) among others. Rwanda is currently hosting over 1,500 delegates attending the Transform Africa Summit 2018.
Commenting on the rankings, the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Convention Bureau, Denise B Omany said;
“These rankings are proof that our MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) strategy is creating value. Rwanda recorded 28,308 delegates in 2017, up from 23,804 in 2016. Tourism is the country’s largest foreign exchange earner and MICE is playing an important role in its growth, bringing in %15 of all tourism revenue. MICE tourism contributed $USD 42 million in 2017. We aim to increase it to $USD 74 million this year.
We are glad to retain the third position and we are working incredibly hard on attaining an even better position through hosting even more association meetings. With the support of the Government, as well as the private sector, Rwanda has been able to establish its self as a safe, secure MICE destination of choice due to the presence of world-class MICE venues, accommodation facilities, connectivity options and ease of service due to RCB support”.
Rwanda is a preferred MICE destination due to its simplified visa process that allows nationals of every country in the world to get a visa on arrival for all visitors in addition to its easy accessibility due to the multitude of flight options offering connectivity to Kigali and the rest of Africa though the national carrier Rwandair.
About the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB)
Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) is a strategic business unit of Rwanda Development Board’s Tourism and Conservation Department. Established in 2014, RCB promotes Rwanda as a premier destination and as a one-stop solution for assistance, information and neutral advice on hosting and organising MICE / business events.
Rwanda Convention Bureau is proud to be Africa’s latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Member.
