Visit Rwanda is taking center stage at the Vakantiebeurs Tourism Fair in Utrecht, Netherlands, running from January 10 to 14, 2024.
This prestigious travel fair, renowned for catering to the BeNeLux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) market, attracts exhibitors from over 100 countries.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there has been a gradual recovery in tourist numbers from the Netherlands to Rwanda.
The year 2023 stands out as a significant milestone, marking the most successful recovery since the pandemic, boasting a remarkable 75.3% increase.
Ariella Kageruka, the Head of Tourism and Conservation at Rwanda Development Board, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase Rwanda’s diverse tourism offerings.
She said, “We are thrilled to once again showcase Rwanda’s diverse tourism offerings at Vakantiebeurs, providing an excellent opportunity for Rwandan tour operators to further expand their reach in the BeNeLux market, one of Rwanda’s strategic source markets for leisure tourism.”
The previous edition of the Vakantiebeurs Tourism Fair drew over 65,000 visitors throughout the 5-day event, and an estimated 65% of attendees are anticipated to return for the 2024 edition.
Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, highlighted Rwanda’s growing popularity among adventure enthusiasts worldwide.
He noted, “Rwanda is becoming a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts worldwide due to its diverse tourism experiences, such as kayaking on Lake Kivu or cycling the Congo Nile Trail.
“Vakantiebeurs provides the ideal platform to showcase Rwanda’s cycling attractions. This is especially relevant in The Netherlands, where on average, each person owns 1.4 bikes, making it an excellent market to promote Rwanda’s cycling products.”
In addition to Visit Rwanda’s prominent presence at the fair, representatives from Wanderlux Safaris, Blue Monkey Tours, Palast Tours & Travels, and RwandAir are actively participating in various side events and networking sessions. These engagements are strategically designed to connect with travel agents, tour operators, and potential travelers within the market, fostering a deeper connection with Rwanda’s vibrant tourism offerings.
