Rwanda Shines at the South East Asian Festival in Auckland, New Zealand

On 28th September 2024, the city of Auckland, New Zealand, hosted the prestigious South East Asian Festival, a celebration of dance and tourism. This festival brought together countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, all showcasing their unique cultures, tourism potential, and traditional dances. Notably, Rwanda was the only African country invited to participate in this grand event, a testament to the nation's remarkable economic growth and development. As the Rwandan diaspora in New Zealand, we seized this opportunity to promote Rwanda’s tourism, particularly its breathtaking natural wonders. We highlighted Rwanda's national parks, which include the famed Virunga National Park, home to the majestic mountain gorillas that continue to captivate global audiences. Additionally, we showcased the rich biodiversity found in Nyungwe National Park, known for its primates such as chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, as well as Akagera National Park, which boasts a vast range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. Our presentation extended beyond Rwanda’s natural beauty. We introduced RwandAir, Rwanda’s national carrier, and informed visitors about how they can easily book flights through Flight Centre New Zealand. Travelers can fly with Qatar Airways or Emirates to Dubai, and from there, RwandAir offers direct flights to Kigali. This seamless connection to Rwanda further captivated attendees who were eager to explore the country. One of the aspects that fascinated the audience was the ease of traveling to Rwanda. We explained that visitors do not need to apply for a visa beforehand; they can obtain one upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. This convenience, coupled with Rwanda's investment-friendly environment, piqued the interest of many potential investors. We emphasized how easy it is to establish a business in Rwanda, with the registration process taking only one day. The festival was a successful platform for Rwanda to showcase not only its tourism but also its growing potential as a hub for business and investment in Africa. Attendees left with a deeper appreciation of what Rwanda has to offer and expressed excitement at the prospect of visiting and investing in the country. Rwanda’s participation in the South East Asian Festival underscored its emergence as a dynamic, fast-growing nation in Africa, ready to welcome tourists and investors alike.

Photos of attendees at the South East Asian Festival in Auckland