Rwanda earned US$161.5M from tourism in three months, led by Gorilla Trekking, North American spenders

RWANDA – Rwanda has generated US$161.5 million from international tourism between November 2025 and January 2026, with air travelers accounting for the bulk of spending at US$136.7 million.

The country’s legendary gorilla trekking experiences alone contributed 71.4 percent of leisure revenue, cementing the mountain gorillas’ status as one of Africa’s most exclusive wildlife attractions drawing high-spending visitors from around the globe.

North Americans Lead the Spending Parade

Visitors from North America emerged as the biggest spenders during the three-month period, pouring US$40.8 million into Rwanda’s tourism economy.

European travelers followed with US$26.2 million, while the East African Community region contributed US$19.7 million from cross-border visitors.

Those arriving by land through Rwanda’s borders spent US$24.9 million, largely on visits to friends and relatives, which generated US$11.3 million of that amount.

Leisure Travel and Gorilla Magic

Holidaymakers generated roughly US$65 million in revenue, with gorilla trekking accounting for 71.4 percent of that total.

The country’s mountain gorillas have become a cornerstone of Rwanda’s high-value, low-volume tourism strategy, with permits reaching up to US$1,500 per trek and revenues financing conservation efforts that have grown the gorilla population to more than 1,063 individuals.

Beyond the gorillas, visitors can explore Nyungwe National Park’s canopy walk, Akagera’s Big Five safaris, and the scenic shores of Lake Kivu.

Tourism’s Growing Economic Footprint

The travel services sector grew 28 percent compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting Rwanda’s rising profile as a premier African destination.

The World Travel and Tourism Council reported that tourism generated US$647 million in 2024, contributing 9.8 percent of national GDP.

Through revenue-sharing programs, 10 percent of park entry fees flow back to local communities, funding schools, health centers, and clean water projects around Volcanoes, Akagera, and Nyungwe National Parks.

Rwandans Also Explore the World

While inbound tourism brought significant foreign exchange, Rwandan residents spent US$95.9 million abroad on travel services during the same period, including US$64.4 million on air travel.

Business trips accounted for the largest share of those journeys at US$22.2 million, reflecting Rwanda’s growing integration into regional and global commerce.

Regional travel dominated outbound spending, with Rwandans visiting other East African Community countries contributing US$53.9 million.

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