Gisenyi, Rubavu district, the starting point of the Congo Nile Trail, is one of the five districts in the Western Province linked by the trail. It features a resort on the shores of Lake Kivu, with several hotels and sandy beaches. The area is best for water sports activities. When talking about Congo Nile Trail, most people can’t even point them out on a map. When deciding for hiking destinations, most people have in mind the Kilimanjaro trail in Tanzania or The Eagle Creek trail in Oregon, USA. We would advise you the Congo Nile Trail, the best hiking destination, and you will be overwhelmed by the beauty and unique scenery, you will never forget.

• At the doorstep to the incredible Nyungwe National Park, African’s largest rain mountain forest

• Walk along the lake kivu shores through coffee, banana and tea plantation

• Breathe clean air, swim crystal – clear water and a see million stars at night!

• Enjoy hiking, biking, 4x4 driving, wildlife and sightseeing

• Relax while orphans of Mugonero entertain you with typical Rwandan traditional dance

• Ride a bike to the top of Congo Nile divide and spend the day at 2630 m altitude

• Try catching fish ( tilapia) at Bralirwa bay and enjoy the local food while interacting with local people

• Escape to Nkombo Island to discover the unique culture of the Nkombo residents, the biggest island in the Rwanda side of Lake Kivu

• A destination to quiet you mind and regenerate you spirit.

UNWTO data show that international tourist arrivals experienced an exponential growth over the past 50 years and rose to a total of 940 million arrivals in 2010. When looking at tourism development world-wide, at least three main conclusions can be drawn in connection with tourism and its potential for poverty alleviation.

1. Tourism is one of the most dynamic economic sectors in many countries, developed but also developing ones, with a wide range of upstream and downstream effects on other economic activities thanks to a very large and diversified supply chain;

2. Tourist movements towards developing and least developed countries are growing faster than in the developed world, accounting now for almost 50 per cent of total international tourist arrivals; Many developing countries do have assets of enormous value to the tourism industry, such as culture, art, landscape, wildlife and climate, and are very well positioned to develop tourism as a key sector contributing to economic growth.

3. Tourism in many developing and least developed countries is one of the principal, and in some countries, the main source of foreign exchange earnings and, quite often, the most viable and sustainable economic development option, with positive impacts on reducing poverty levels.

The publication “Tourism and Poverty Alleviation: Recommendations for Action” identifies seven mechanisms to address poverty through tourism. These mechanisms have been established to provide a clearer understanding of how tourism activity –through visitor spending and tourism investment – can be channeled most effectively to deliver tangible benefits to the poor. Let us have a look at each one in turn:

i) The Employment of the poor in tourism enterprises, involves introducing measures to increase the level of participation of the poor working in tourism enterprises, which would benefit considerably both local communities and poor people; ii) Secondly, the supply of goods and services to tourism enterprises by the poor or by enterprises employing the poor, which would mean that goods and services in the tourism supply chain come from local sources, and maximize the amount of tourism revenue retained by the local community; iii) Thirdly, the direct sales of goods and services to visitors by the poor, allowing the poor to sell products and services directly to visitors. These typically include food and beverages, handicrafts and guided tours. iv) Fourth, the establishment and running of tourism enterprises by the poor, aims to provide greater opportunities for the poor to establish and run tourism businesses either individually or at a community level, such as accommodation establishments, retail outlets and catering. In this way responsibility is given to local people to manage their own affairs; v) Fifth, the tax or levy on tourism income or profits with proceeds benefiting the poor relates to the revenues earned by national or local government from tourism activities which can be used to reduce poverty. This mechanism is particularly beneficial due to the fact that all of the poor can benefit from tourism without being directly engaged in the sector. vi) Sixth, voluntary giving or support by tourism enterprises and tourists can make a significant contribution to poverty reduction, e.g. through providing sponsorships or in-kind donations. Local NGOs may help to develop a scheme for the collection and distribution of donations. vii) And lastly, investment in infrastructure stimulated by tourism can also benefit the poor in the locality. Tourism development, particularly in a new, remote location, can include investment in new infrastructure such as roads, water supply, energy supply, sanitation and communications. These services can bring considerable benefits to the poor and offer new socio-economic opportunities.

Director RTUC Gisenyi Campus
Mr. MBARUSHIMANA Nelson (MEd , PhD Scholar)