A report by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) assessing spending by visitors to Rwanda — the Travel Expenditure Survey (TES) — revealed that in 2024, foreign tourists spent more than $579.5 million, equivalent to over Rwf 839.9 billion, on various goods and services during their stay in the country.
The report is based on purchases made by visitors from the time they entered Rwanda — whether by land border or through the airport — until their departure.
Researchers collected data by requesting receipts from selected travelers as they exited the country, covering expenses such as accommodation, food, leisure activities, and souvenirs.
Statistics show that while most visitors entered the country on foot, those who arrived by air contributed the largest share of total spending.
For instance, visitors who came by air spent about $445 million in 2024, while those who entered on foot spent over $130 million.
During the first quarter of 2024, international visitors spent $106.1 million in Rwanda (excluding airfare). In the second quarter, spending increased to $112.6 million, then rose further to $161.3 million in the third quarter, before declining slightly to $102.2 million in the fourth quarter.
The biggest spenders among foreign visitors were those who came for leisure and holidays, followed by those visiting friends and relatives.
On the other hand, Rwandans traveling abroad spent $363.8 million in 2024, according to data collected at land borders and airports based on their purchase receipts.
The report, released on October 15, also includes data for the first two quarters of 2025, showing that foreign visitors spent $130.7 million between November 2024 and January 2025, and $121.7 million in the second quarter of 2025.
Compared to the same period in 2024, the first two quarters of 2025 brought in higher revenues from foreign visitors.
Rwanda continues to invest heavily in infrastructure development, positioning itself as a regional hub for technology, sports, air transport, and tourism.
As of 2024, the Rwanda Private Sector Federation’s Tourism Chamber included 1,360 member institutions and seven tourism associations. The country also had over 25,000 hotel rooms, with many new establishments opening in 2025.
Menu
