Tourism is one of the most important sectors of the global economy, accounting for every tenth job worldwide. It is therefore of greater economic significance than, for instance, the automotive industry. As the world’s largest service sector, tourism offers great opportunities for micro and small enterprises, but also low-skilled workers, the skilled trades and local farming businesses. Also women play a key role. Examples show that women invest a large proportion of their income directly in the local community, strengthening their regions on a long-term basis. Tourism is already a driver of economic growth and employment in Rwanda. However, the development potential of tourism beyond the main attractions, such as the famous mountain gorilla trekking, has so far been untapped. Diversifying tourism offerings to include small communities will help improve income opportunities for the local population. Tourism can also support the preservation and appreciation of nature. The focus here is on tourist attractions with a strong emphasis on nature-based tourism, agriculture and forestry.
The state of Rhineland-Palatinate has maintained a partnership with Rwanda for over 40 years, which from the outset has focused on direct partnerships and continous exchange between schools, church communities and local authorities. This grassroots partnership supports a wide range of projects throughout the country. The Rutsiro district in the west of the country, between Lake Kivu and the Gishwati-Mukura Biosphere Reserve, has already received supoport from the municipality of Kallstadt in setting up the Bitenga Basecamp and mapping hiking trails. The project builds on these activities. Currently, there is no connection to a water supply in the region. In order to make the Rutsiro district more attractive for tourism, the Bitenga Basecamp will receive a water supply that will also benefit the surrounding population. In addition, further hiking trails will be mapped and themed hiking trails developed. To complement this, the idea of rural women’s associations from Germany is to be transferred to Rwanda around Bitenga. Mutual support, lectures and cooking, handicraft and craft courses are intended to raise women’s awareness of the opportunities that arise along the tourism value chain. The production and sale of souvenirs or tourist services is intended to create opportunities for additional income.