Rwanda wins WTTC’s first Global Leadership Award

The country of Rwanda has been awarded the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) first Global Leadership Award.

The award will be an annual prize to recognise countries that have not only prioritised Travel & Tourism but have put sustainability at the heart of the sector’s development.

The award was presented to Dr. Edouard Ngirente, Right Honourable Prime Minister of Rwanda at the Gala Dinner of the recent 2018 WTTC Global Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Announcing the award at the Gala Dinner in Buenos Aires, Gloria Guevara, WTTC’s president and CEO said: “Much of the world has heard about Rwanda, but mostly about its troubled history. In 1994, it was the setting for one of the worst genocides in our lifetime.

The award presentation

“But since then the country has gone from bordering on a failed state and a real-world cemetery to one of the most remarkably transformed countries in Africa, if not the world.”

Guevara said the country had been rebuilt on a strong foundation of reconciliation, and powered by the determination to succeed, becoming a leader in education and environmental responsibility.

“Its economy is robust, helped by a focus on sustainable travel and tourism,” she added.“Rwanda now welcomes a million tourists a year. Travel & Tourism represents 13% of the country’s GDP and 11% of employment.

“And sustainability is at the heart of tourism growth. Initiatives to protect the country’s unique Gorilla population, while generating significant income from the visitors they attract, as well as the establishment of national parks to protect the environment ensure tourism growth benefits not just the natural environment but the communities who live and work there.

“It is an honour to present our first Global Leadership Award to such an inspiring and transformative country.”