Rwanda
Discover Rwanda - the land of a thousand hills and a million smiles
Iain Stirling reports on the recent UFI MEA Conference in Rwanda
T he UFI MEA Conference in Kigali , Rwanda , was held 15-17 April , 2024 . Hosted this year by the Rwanda Convention Bureau , the event is a key gathering for exhibition industry professionals .
The event made a remarkable impression , fostering connections , knowledge sharing , and a vision for the future of the MICE industry in Africa and the Middle East .
Rwanda is an emerging destination for both leisure and business tourism and the authorities are not shy in their marketing spend with one $ 50m deal for Visit Rwanda seeing the brand plastered across Premier League Arsenal Football Club ’ s shirts in a four-year deal signed in 2021 .
Now the challenge for Rwanda is to blend business with the breathtaking African experiences on offer . At the Kigali Conference , UFI ’ s delegates had the opportunity to take that journey and explore new horizons in the business events industry .
Explore Rwanda Rwanda has a rapidly growing economy , ranked the third most competitive country in Africa by the World Economic Forum ’ s Competitiveness Report . Despite the troubles of the past , it is now also one of the cleanest and safest countries on the continent .
The capital , Kigali is within easy reach of rich cultural and natural treasures . Visitors can track endangered mountain gorillas in the Virunga Volcanoes , enjoy a Big 5 safari in Akagera National Park , or explore the biodiversity of Nyungwe , the largest protected mountain rainforest in Africa . The Cultural Heritage Corridor , community tours , tea and coffee plantations , adventure experiences , and the shores of Lake Kivu all offer unique experiences .
Rwanda ’ s delicious local cuisine , unique culture and arts , combined with breathtaking natural beauty , showcase the country ’ s warm hospitality .
The tragic history is not forgotten of course : Rwanda is committed to fighting the ideology of genocide . Visitors to the country will learn about the impact of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi . It can be a moving experience showcasing Rwanda ’ s journey towards peace and reconciliation . The Kigali Genocide Memorial , where 259,000 victims are buried , is a major education project .
Today , Rwanda is a peaceful , vibrant , and forward-looking country . United beyond tribal affiliations , Rwandans work together to rebuild their nation , advancing in education , health , social security , and entrepreneurship .
One of the greenest destinations on Earth , Rwanda is ranked 15th by the World Travel Guide ( 2020 ) and now the second safest place in Africa ( Gallup Global Report , 2018 ).
It is ranked third for cybersecurity in Africa ( Global Cybersecurity Index , 2018 ).
Left : EW ’ s Iain Stirling gets in the picture with the UFI delegation
UFI MEA Conference 2024 This year ’ s UFI MEA conference in Kigali featured panel sessions and in-depth discussions on critical industry topics , alongside numerous networking opportunities . Attendees had the chance to connect with top decision-makers in the region and engage in social events showcasing local culture .
Highlights of the event include a welcome reception , networking dinner , and a sightseeing tour of
26 Issue 3 2024 www . exhibitionworld . co . uk