Rwanda's 10 Years of Event Excellence

For event professionals, choosing the right destination can be the key to creating unforgettable experiences that keep attendees coming back year after year. With its unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and modern infrastructure, Rwanda is rapidly emerging as a top choice for hosting events. Rwanda has not only been a loyal exhibitor at IBTM World but has also caught the attention of event planners globally. 

We caught up with Rwanda Convention Bureau to see it stands out as an exciting destination for event professionals and how it can elevate your next event to new heights.

Short for time? Scroll to the bottom to discover the key takeaways.

10 Years of Event Experiences 

Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) marks 10 years of event experiences in Rwanda this year, we proudly celebrate the sector's growth at IBTM Barcelona. From humble beginnings with just two partners, Rwanda's representation at IBTM has expanded to include over 20 dynamic partners, ready to showcase the country's success on the global stage.

Joining us this year will be some of Rwanda's top MICE venues, DMCs, and PCOs, including Intare Conference Arena, Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali Marriott Hotel, and leading professional conference organisers such as Business Events East Africa, Sensitive Group Ltd, Global Events Africa Ltd, CUBE, Events and Media Services Group, Planitwiss, and Rwanda Events Group.

We invite new and returning IBTM Barcelona meeting buyers to visit the Meet In Rwanda at Stand No: M35 on day two to participate in the celebration. Discover why Rwanda is fast becoming a top destination for international meetings and events, and explore how we can help make your future events a success. For more information, please read: https://rcb.rw/IMG/pdf/rcb_press_release_aug_24.pdf

How does hosting an event in Rwanda provide an edge for event planners looking to impress their attendees?

Bringing your event to Rwanda & working with RCB offers several incentives that will make the planning and execution of the confirmed event easier. For example:

• Visa Access: All visiting delegates can obtain their travel visas on arrival. Additionally, members of the AU, Commonwealth, and Francophonie receive a free 30-day visa on arrival.

• Airline Discounts: Events can work with Rwanda's national carrier to secure a 15% discount on all air tickets.

• Gorilla Trekking: We introduce you to an account manager at RDB who can offer all interested delegates a 15% discount on gorilla trekking.

• Additional Financial Incentives: Subsidies and Grants: Available to cover a portion of event costs such as venue rental, accommodation, and transportation. 

• Discounts and Packages: RCB can support the negotiation process to secure discounts on items like accommodation, meals, and activities.

• Tax Incentives: Tax benefits or rebates for organisers and participants.

 Logistical Support:

• On-site Support: RCB can support by deploying dedicated event managers, technical support, and concierge services.

• Transport: Complimentary or subsidised transportation services, including airport transfers and shuttle services between venues.

Marketing and Promotion:

• Marketing Assistance: Support for communications, marketing, and promotional activities, including social media campaigns, local media partnerships, and listing on tourism websites.

Experience Enhancements:

• Cultural Experiences: Coordination or introduction to suppliers of Cultural activities, local tours, and unique experiences showcasing the destination’s heritage and attractions.

• VIP Treatment: Fast-track immigration, special welcome ceremonies, and personalised itineraries.  

What is new and upcoming that we can expect from Rwanda in 2025 onwards?

All of us at RCB remain committed to further enhancing the country's reputation as a capable and preferred destination for international conferences and events.

With continued dedication and strategic initiatives, RCB aims to sustain and grow Rwanda’s position in the global MICE industry.

The country's continuous rise in rankings has driven significant investments over the years, thanks to the GoR and our private sector. State-of-the-art MICE facilities have also been established in our capital city, including:

a.   The Kigali Convention Centre, Intare Arena, BK Arena, Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village

b.   The newly refurbished Amahoro Stadium seats 45,000 people, and international hotels such as Radisson Blu, Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, Onomo & the up-and-coming, Movenpick.

These developments continue to provide the necessary infrastructure to support large-scale conferences and meetings.

The event theme for IBTM World 2024 is PEOPLE. POWER. POTENTIAL. What is new in Rwanda in terms of AI/technology? 

In Rwanda, AI and technology are playing a significant role in transforming various sectors, including MICE. Some key developments include:

• Smart City Initiatives: Kigali, as part of its smart city strategy, integrates AI for traffic management, waste management, and energy efficiency, making it a more attractive destination for international business events.

• Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR): Rwanda has incorporated VR and AR into its destination marketing, specifically during strategic delegate posting activations & tradeshows, providing immersive experiences of its national parks, gorilla trekking, and cultural heritage sites, allowing event planners and attendees to experience the destination virtually before their visit.

• AI in MICE Planning: Rwanda’s MICE sector is exploring AI for optimising event planning, data analytics, and improving attendee experiences. AI tools have been used to analyse attendee data to create personalised event content, match participants for networking opportunities, and streamline logistics.

• Smart Conference Venues: Rwandan venues will be incorporating technologies like facial recognition, AI-driven registration, and smart badges to enhance the attendee experience, ensuring seamless event management.

Visit Rwanda Convention Bureau on stand M35 at IBTM World and discover why it is the one-stop solution for hosting business events.