Tourism leaders from Kenya and Rwanda convened at Kigali Paramount Hotel on Friday, 17 July 2026, for the Kenya Tourism Stakeholder Workshop, a high-level forum aimed at strengthening cross-border tourism, expanding business partnerships and promoting East Africa as a unified tourism destination. The workshop, organized by Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) in partnership with RwandAir, brought together leading travel and tour operators, hospitality investors, government representatives and tourism stakeholders from both countries. The event was hosted in the elegant Inzovu Hall at Kigali Paramount Hotel, reaffirming the hotel’s growing reputation as one of Rwanda’s premier destinations for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
Among the distinguished guests was Prof. Simon Gicharu, Founder and Chairman of the Mount Kigali University ecosystem, which comprises Mount Kigali University, Kigali Paramount Hotel, University Medical Centre, University Hostels and Royal FM. His presence underscored the Group’s commitment to regional partnerships that drive education, hospitality, tourism and socio-economic development.
The workshop was graced by the High Commission of Kenya in Rwanda, where remarks on behalf of Her Excellency Ambassador Janet Mwawasi Oben were delivered by Ms. Esther Magiti, Minister Counsellor. In her address, the High Commission welcomed the Kenyan delegation and applauded the partnership between Kenya Tourism Board, RwandAir and Kigali Paramount Hotel for bringing together tourism stakeholders from both countries. She noted that the forum demonstrates the longstanding cordial relations between Kenya and Rwanda while creating an important platform for networking, knowledge exchange and increased cross-border tourism.
The High Commission further emphasized that tourism remains one of Kenya’s key economic pillars and highlighted the immense opportunities available through stronger collaboration. She observed that both Kenya and Rwanda possess world-class tourism products including wildlife safaris, beach tourism, cultural and heritage tourism, sports tourism, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), and investment opportunities capable of attracting visitors from across Africa and the world.
Concluding her remarks, she reaffirmed the Government of Kenya’s commitment to facilitating tourism partnerships by enhancing air connectivity, easing border and visa policies within the East African Community and supporting initiatives that increase tourism arrivals, investment and employment opportunities for both nations. During the workshop, Mr. Alex Tunoi, Regional Manager, Kenya Tourism Board, presented Kenya’s strategy for growing tourism arrivals from Rwanda and the wider East African region. He highlighted that the workshop forms part of a strategic collaboration between Kenya Tourism Board and RwandAir to connect over 50 travel and tour operators through business-to-business engagements, knowledge exchange and destination marketing. The initiative seeks to increase tourism arrivals to Kenya while strengthening regional trade within the East African Community.
Mr. Alex Tunoi highlighted Kenya’s expanding portfolio of world-class tourism experiences designed to appeal to diverse traveller interests. He noted that visitors can enjoy the country’s renowned coastal destinations offering pristine beaches and leisure escapes, romantic wedding and honeymoon packages, vibrant urban adventures featuring shopping, fine dining and nightlife, rich cultural experiences through signature events such as the Lamu Cultural Festival, and globally recognised sporting attractions including the World Rally Championship (WRC), the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and golf tourism. He emphasised that these diverse offerings position Kenya as a premier all-year-round destination while creating opportunities for stronger tourism partnerships with Rwanda and the wider East African region.He also highlighted government interventions supporting tourism growth, including visa-free travel policies, improved air and road connectivity and increased opportunities for intra-East African travel and trade. Strategic hospitality partners participating in the workshop included PrideInn Hotels, Sarova Hotels, Travelers Beach Hotel, Bamburi Beach Hotel, Hemingways Collection, Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort, Diamond Leisure, Africa Last Minute and Coral Spirit.
Welcoming delegates to Kigali Paramount Hotel, the General Manager, Mr. Simon Muhoro, expressed appreciation to Kenya Tourism Board, RwandAir, the High Commission of Kenya and all participating stakeholders for selecting Kigali Paramount Hotel to host the regional tourism forum. He noted that the hotel remains committed to providing world-class hospitality experiences while serving as a strategic venue for regional conferences, tourism engagements and business networking. He encouraged participants to use the workshop to establish meaningful partnerships that will contribute to sustainable tourism growth across East Africa.
During his presentation, Mount Kigali University Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Martin Kimemia, introduced delegates to the Mount Kigali University Ecosystem, demonstrating how education, hospitality, healthcare, accommodation and media are integrated to create value for students, partners and communities. He explained that Mount Kigali University has evolved into a fully autonomous and accredited Rwandan university, offering quality education, research, innovation and community service while maintaining strong international partnerships.
The Vice-Chancellor showcased the university’s six academic schools and highlighted its investments in cutting-edge learning facilities, including humanoid robotics, virtual reality, drone technology, innovation hubs, skills training laboratories, moot court, hospitality training kitchen, dental simulation laboratories equipped with phantom heads and dental chairs, as well as a modern e-sports arena. These facilities are designed to bridge classroom learning with industry practice and prepare graduates for the future of work. Dr. Kimemia further presented Kigali Paramount Hotel as one of the flagship entities within the Mount Kigali University ecosystem. He described the hotel as a premier four-star destination strategically located near Kigali International Airport and the Kigali Convention Centre, offering luxury accommodation, conference facilities for up to 600 guests, multiple dining experiences, wellness amenities and exceptional conference services that continue to position Rwanda as a leading regional meetings destination.
The workshop concluded with productive business-to-business networking sessions, enabling Kenyan and Rwandan travel operators to forge new partnerships, develop tourism packages and explore investment opportunities. Participants also enjoyed a raffle draw, where RwandAir awarded two lucky tour companies with return tickets to Mombasa, while hospitality partners presented accommodation packages and gift hampers. Kigali Paramount Hotel contributed a complimentary accommodation package and gift pack to one of the winning tour operators. The event reaffirmed the strong tourism partnership between Kenya and Rwanda and showcased the growing role of Mount Kigali University and Kigali Paramount Hotel in advancing regional collaboration, hospitality excellence and sustainable tourism development.
