Executive Summary

Tourism can contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  For the last 2 decades, the Rwandan economy has developed very positively. Growth rates have been constantly above average and the country has managed extremely well to restructure the environment for business and foreign investments. This has entailed a constant improvement highlighted in all international investment and “Doing business” reports. The business will develop rural home-stay tourism model that involves many agro-based and cultural activities that brings visitors to a farm for the purpose of understudying from a wide range of activities that include picking fruits and vegetables, tasting honey, traditional brewery, caw milking or shopping in farm gift shops and farm stands for local and regional produce or hand-crafted gifts, etc. for long term conservation of natural resources. The business will be generated mainly through affiliation with a trusted website and reviews of guests who actually stay. The approval of the facility by accredit governmental institutions will enhance credibility. The pricing will be influenced by the hotel-accommodation pricing in the city, the quality of accommodation, class (gold or silver) of home stay facility and the guest reviews. The needed investment is between 1,000,000 US$ and 10,000,000 US$. Our company needs to raise any form of investment as well as grant, loan, equity or venture capital. Dr. Cyprien BIZIMUNGU, Managing Director (MD): PhD in conservational biology and ecology with training in Community-based tourism. He is responsible of making major corporate decisions, managing the overall operations and resources of a company, acting as the main point of communication between the board of directors and corporate operations, and serves as the public face of the company. Winny KAMPIRE, General Manager (GM): Advanced Diploma in Eco-tourism. General Manager is mandated to take a fast-growing and high-impact organization to new levels, alongside a passionate and hard-working team with mentorship and guidance from the MD. The General Manager will be ultimately responsible for setting VIRUNGA ITINERIS’s strategy and leading the team to execute on this strategy. In particular, the GM will mentor and manage all head of departments of VIRUNGA ITINERIS and Homestay Providers – who have significant autonomy in how they run their departments – while holding them accountable to results. The GM will also lead all operations, public relations, and quality assurance teams. VIRUNGA ITINERIS’s GM should have a consistent blend of office and fieldwork. Department Heads (Various Department including Administration and Finance, Operations Manager, Human Resources, Chief Editor, Sales and Marketing ) Department heads take charge of departments. They monitor, lead, train, and manage staff. They may also conduct research and set goals. Department heads ensure that overall day-to-day operations run smoothly. VIRUNGA ITINERIS’s heads of Department must be well-organized, detail-orientated department head to join our excellent organization. The department head's responsibilities include, but are not limited to, analyzing existing operations and drawing up improvement plans, providing training to new and existing staff, assisting with recruitment and onboarding, drawing up budgets, liaising with clients and other professionals, scheduling meetings, networking with relevant stakeholders, and identifying opportunities for growth. Since its inception, Virunga Itineris Ltd has developed a guided tour as the only way to make money, but that seems to be not profitable enough as it has an income average not more than 3,000 US$ per month. This project will provide additional products and services namely Beds & Breakfast, Cultural experiences, Handicraft workshops, Restaurant and coffee shop, Retail and souvenir, Event hosting and group booking , etc. The revenues will be derived from income generating activities that will be continually produced by selling the products and services created that average income will be estimated around 120,000 US$ per month. Rwanda’s tourism sector has experienced steady growth over the past decade, driven largely by its renowned mountain gorillas, national parks, and eco-tourism initiatives. The government’s strategic focus on sustainable tourism, infrastructure development, and marketing has contributed to this upward trajectory. Pre-pandemic, Rwanda was recognized as one of Africa’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, with annual visitor arrivals increasing at an average rate of around 10%. Growth projections indicate continued expansion, with expected annual visitor numbers surpassing 2 million by 2030, supported by investments in tourism infrastructure and regional integration efforts. The company will get clients (from different partners (tour operators, hotels and lodges, RDB, etc). Our main target customers are the tourists who come on planned vacation to Rwandan attractions’ sites however there are some tourists who reach the sites without any prior bookings which are called the “walk in” tourists. Some of the “walk-in” tourists don’t get admissions into the park due to the capacity getting filled and thus become the “spill-over” tourists. Such tourists are also one of our target customers who can be easily attracted to our Jungle Safari and Nature Walk activities. The Homestay Tourism Centre is strategically designed to attract specific segments of the tourism market, aligning with Rwanda's high-value, low-impact tourism strategy. Its primary target markets will be: International Gorilla Trekking Visitors: This is the most significant and immediate target. VIHTC aims to capture the substantial number of tourists already visiting Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking. By offering compelling cultural, historical, and community-based experiences, VIHTC will entice these high-spending visitors to extend their stay in the region, thereby increasing their overall expenditure and enhancing their Rwandan journey beyond wildlife viewing. The Centre will serve as an ideal post-trekking activity. Cultural Tourism Enthusiasts: This segment comprises travelers specifically seeking authentic cultural immersion. They prioritize engaging with local traditions, arts, history, and daily life. VIHTC, with its dedicated exhibition spaces, workshops, culinary facilities, and performance areas, offers precisely the kind of deep, interactive cultural experiences these visitors seek, making the PAs and Urban landscapes the destination for cultural exploration, not just wildlife. Educational and Research Groups: VIHTC's focus on conservation and cultural preservation programs, coupled with its facilities for workshops and learning, makes it an ideal destination for educational institutions, research teams, and study tour groups. These groups are interested in understanding the delicate balance between human development, cultural heritage, and wildlife conservation in a unique ecosystem. The Centers will facilitate direct engagement with local communities and provide insights into their traditional knowledge and practices. High-Value, Low-Impact Tourists: This overarching segment encompasses visitors who are not only willing to pay a premium for unique experiences but also prioritize responsible and sustainable tourism. Secondary Markets: Beyond its primary focus markets segment, the Homestay Tourism Centers will also strategically target several secondary markets, contributing to broader accessibility, local engagement, and diversified revenue streams which will include: Domestic Tourists and Residents: This segment includes Rwandan citizens and foreign residents living in Rwanda. Encouraging local visitation will be vital for building national pride in cultural heritage, fostering a sense of ownership, and ensuring resilience against international travel fluctuations. Special pricing and tailored programs will make VIHTC an attractive local day trip or weekend destination. Corporate and Conference Groups: Leveraging Rwanda's robust MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector, VIHTC will offer unique cultural experiences as part of corporate retreats, team-building activities, or post-conference excursions. This will provide delegates with an authentic taste of Rwandan culture while offering additional revenue opportunities for the Centers. School and University Groups: VIHTC's emphasis on educational materials and cultural preservation will make it an ideal learning environment for students of all ages. Educational tours, workshops, and interactive sessions will provide valuable insights into Rwandan history, traditions, and the critical link between community well-being and conservation efforts, fostering a new generation of culturally aware and environmentally conscious citizens. Regional East African Visitors: Travelers from neighboring East African Community (EAC) countries represent an accessible and growing market. Promoting VIHTC within the Volcanoes Landscape will attract visitors seeking short cultural getaways or combining the experience with other regional attractions, strengthening cross-border tourism and cultural exchange.