The Travel Expenditure Survey (TES), conducted by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) in collaboration with key partners, provides detailed insights into travel-related spending, offering a comprehensive breakdown of both inbound and outbound travel expenditures.
For non-resident visitors in Rwanda, the survey categorises their spending on goods and services as credits or exports. Conversely, payments made by Rwandan residents while travelling abroad are classified as debits or imports.
The data collection process for the survey involved gathering expenditure details from a diverse sample of travelers. Spending was analysed across key categories, including accommodation, food and beverages, transportation, shopping, entertainment, sightseeing, education-related expenses, and health-related costs. Notably, international transportation expenses were excluded from the findings.
The latest report presents findings from the survey conducted between November 1, 2024 and January 30, 2025. These insights were used to estimate travel service earnings for the fourth quarter of 2024 and the entire year's figures.
According to the report, Rwanda's travel sector performed strongly in 2024, with travel service earnings in the fourth quarter alone amounting to $126.1 million. Holiday tourism was identified as the primary driver, generating $56.2 million.
The analysis of visitor spending patterns showed that tourists arriving by air accounted for 81.1% of total visitor expenditures, while those entering via land borders contributed the remaining amount.
Foreign visitors' spending varied based on origin and mode of travel. Air travelers from Asia had the highest average daily expenditure at $197 per person, followed by those from North America and other African countries at $151 per day.
European visitors spent an average of $129 daily, while East African visitors had the lowest daily expenditure at $82. For land travelers, North Americans on holiday spent an average of $146 per day, while visitors from Asia and Europe spent $109 and $100 per day, respectively.
For the full year, travel exports amounted to $579.5 million, while travel imports stood at $363.8 million. This resulted in Rwanda recording a net surplus of $215.6 million in travel services.
In 2024, 44.6% of foreign visitors traveled to Rwanda for holidays, 28.1% visited friends and relatives, while 14.1% came for business purposes.
Rwanda aims to double its tourism revenue in the coming years, targeting an increase from $620 million in 2024 to $1.1 billion by 2029.
The latest findings are essential for, among other purposes, guiding policymakers, businesses, and other stakeholders in making informed, data-driven decisions to further enhance Rwanda's tourism and travel sector.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/economy/article/foreign-visitors-spent-579-5-million-in-rwanda-in-2024
