Rwanda travel export revenues up 28% in Q4 2025 as air arrivals dominate
Rwanda earned $161.5 million from travel services in the fourth quarter of 2025 (November 2025 to January 2026), up 28% year on year, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda. Air arrivals generated about 85% of receipts, with land borders contributing $24.9 million. Holiday travel led with $65 million, around 71% of which came from gorilla tourism. By origin, North America spent $40.8 million, ahead of the rest of Africa at $34.5 million and Europe at $26.2 million.
Spending patterns point to strong long‑haul, high‑value demand, with North American and European holidaymakers averaging $138 and $123 per day respectively and staying around 11 nights, while EAC visitors stayed six nights on average. More than 350,000 non‑residents entered by land, mostly from the EAC, where visiting friends and relatives was the leading purpose. Rwandan residents spent $95.9 million abroad in the quarter, largely within the EAC, leaving a positive travel services balance of $65.6 million.
Source: The New Times