Foreign visitors spent $604 million in Rwanda in 2025, new NISR report reveals

A report from Rwanda’s National Institute of Statistics (NISR) on travel expenditure shows that foreign visitors spent $604.5 million in 2025, equivalent to Rwf 880.7 billion, on various goods and services during their stay in the country.

In recent years, Rwanda has opened several high-end hotels capable of hosting large international conferences that attract thousands of participants from across the world to discuss diverse global issues.

The country has also invested heavily in health infrastructure, with several facilities expanded to provide specialized services. In the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, more than 1,400 people entered Rwanda specifically seeking medical treatment.

Notably, cancer treatment services provided in Butaro and advanced heart surgery services in Kigali are among the most sought-after medical services for patients from across the region.

Rwanda has also continued to strengthen its sports infrastructure. Facilities such as the newly renovated Amahoro Stadium are now hosting international competitions organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).

During the 2025/2026 football season, Amahoro Stadium has hosted several continental matches after Sudan’s Al-Hilal SC advanced to the CAF Champions League quarterfinals. This development has brought a significant number of foreign fans and officials to Rwanda, many of whom purchase various goods and services during their stay.

Beyond football, Rwanda also hosts numerous international events including cycling competitions, handball, volleyball and basketball tournaments, as well as major entertainment concerts that attract visitors from around the world to the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

According to the Travel Expenditure Survey, which tracks spending by foreign visitors in Rwanda and by Rwandans traveling abroad, tourists visiting mountain gorillas spent the largest share of money during the fourth quarter of 2025.

The survey collected information from travelers passing through 11 border points, including Rusumo, Kagitumba, Buziba, Gatuna, Cyanika, Rusizi I, Rusizi II, Bugarama, La Corniche, and Kigali International Airport.

Data for foreign visitors is gathered when they leave the country, while information for Rwandans traveling abroad is collected when they return to Rwanda.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, foreign visitors coming to Rwanda for various reasons spent more than $161.5 million on accommodation, shopping, services, and other expenses.

Visitors traveling for leisure and holidays alone spent $65 million during this quarter, while gorilla tourism accounted for 71.4% of total tourism revenue during the same period.

NISR reports that visitors from North America spent the highest amount on shopping and purchasing local products, totaling $40.8 million.

Foreign visitors entering Rwanda by land spent about $24.9 million, with most of them traveling to visit friends and relatives, spending around $11.3 million.

2025 Recorded Strong Tourism Spending

The report shows that foreign visitors spent $130.7 million in the first quarter of 2025, $121.7 million in the second quarter, $190.6 million in the third quarter, and $161.5 million in the fourth quarter.

Leisure travelers accounted for the largest share of tourism spending in Rwanda, contributing 41.1% of total expenditure, followed by those visiting friends and relatives, while visitors traveling for investment opportunities accounted for 16.2%.

Meanwhile, Rwandans traveling abroad spent $83.7 million in the first quarter of 2025, $89.3 million in the second quarter, $90.1 million in the third quarter, and $95.9 million in the fourth quarter, showing a steady increase throughout the year.

Rwandans traveling abroad spent the most money on business-related activities, accounting for 35.7% of the total expenditure, followed by those visiting friends and relatives (28.3%), while those traveling for education-related services accounted for 23.1%.

A 2024/2025 report from Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Industry also shows that 1.15 million visitors entered Rwanda, including 37% who came to see mountain gorillas, 24% who came to visit friends and relatives, and 17% who traveled for business purposes.

@IGIHE