Why Culture Is Essential for Tourism development

Because of the fact that Rwanda is among the few very countries in Africa with a sole shared language and culture, something that should be considered as a major asset for the country and so should be promoted in tourism business.  Oystein Jensen who is a professor at Stavanger University of Tourism in Norway said that culture comprise one of the main attractions for tourists for instance, Culture needs to be enforced. Although it may be very hard to market it, the word of mouth is very important so that when the tourists return to their home, all they talk about is that cultural experience. 

Meanwhile Britt Jenness who is a masters student in Tourism Management in Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium also said that even though culture in alone will not lure tourists it gives additional value to all the other tourists attractions in the country.  For example, besides the gorillas that most tourists enjoy visiting in Rwanda, they can always talk about the hospitality and the culture to people of Rwanda as well.     

Yet to turn culture into a tourism commodity, it should be available, as Bart Gasana, the chairperson of the chamber of tourism in the Private Sector Federation pointed out. He remarked that currently culture is too much stuck in museums, which is why the chamber is working closely with museums to see how to promote culture. He also argued that the private sector should be at the vanguard, by organizing cultural happenings.

 He then suggested that a cultural village already exist, one in Kinigi, Musanze, set up in 2005 and called Iby’Iwacu, is rather special, since it is run by former poachers. , Fortunately, the artisans now work hand in hand with the rangers at Volcanoes National Park, and poaching activities have significantly decreased.

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