Students from Mount Kigali University have been placed at the heart of Rwanda’s growing tourism ambitions following a high-level organised by the university’s School of Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management on March 19, 2026.
The half-day conference, held at the Kigali Paramount Hotel, was guided by the theme “Youth at the Heart of Rwanda’s Destination Excellence: How can youth shape the future of hospitality and tourism.” It brought together industry leaders, academics, and students to explore the role young people will play in shaping the sector.
The focus of the event was clear- Mount Kigali University students are not only preparing for careers in hospitality and tourism, but are also being positioned as active contributors to the industry’s future.
At the same time, the conference highlighted the university’s ambition to transform its School of Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management into a regional centre of excellence, capable of producing highly skilled graduates for Rwanda and the wider region.
Opening the conference, MKU Vice Chancellor Dr Martin Kimemia emphasised that the success of Rwanda’s tourism sector depends on investing in people.
“Hospitality is about people. Without talent, there is no destination,” he said, noting that the university has introduced specialized programmes in hospitality, tourism, and event management, alongside professional training designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations.
Throughout the conference, speakers directly addressed the students, urging them to take ownership of their careers and begin leading from where they are.
“You are not the leaders of tomorrow. You are the leaders of today,” Dr Kimemia told the audience.
Industry experts reinforced this message with practical insights. Samir Ramidal, Hotel Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Kigali encouraged students to remain disciplined and make a strong impression during internships, stressing that service in hospitality is defined by how guests feel.
Similarly, Media Umulisa, General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel Kigali called on students to go beyond basic standards, build their personal brands, and deliver authentic experiences.
“Focus on doing the right thing, and you will make competitors irrelevant,” she said.
The conference also provided students with insight into the economic importance of the sector. Isaac Kagara, CEO of Universal Events, explained how international conferences contribute significantly to Rwanda’s economy by bringing in thousands of delegates who spend on accommodation, transport, and local services.
Meanwhile, Jackson Hakiza Director General of the Rwanda Chamber of Tourism highlighted tourism as a key pillar of national development, stressing the need for skilled young professionals to sustain growth.
Rwanda’s tourism sector continues to expand, supported by attractions such as Volcanoes National Park and the country’s growing reputation as a conference destination. However, speakers noted that challenges remain, particularly a gap between academic training and industry needs, an issue the university aims to address through its push for excellence in training.
Speaking during the event, Mr Reuben Mbonye, Global Sales Director, RwandAir, emphasised the importance of investing in youth.
“Young people are central to the future of aviation and tourism. Giving them exposure is key to building a competitive industry,” said Mr Mbonye,.
At the end of the conference, RwandAir awarded two Mount Kigali University students a sponsored trip to Zanzibar, along with a night’s stay in a five-star hotel in Kamembe.
The School of Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management (SHTTM) is one of the leading schools in Rwanda. The school has won numerous awards such as being voted the best Higher Learning Institution in Rwanda in 2022 by Rwanda Chamber of Tourism for excellent training. This has resulted to its graduands to be widely sought after by employers in Rwanda and the international market. The growth of the tourism sector in the region is linked to its natural resources which is leading to economic growth and creating job opportunities.
