Rwanda is banking on its new attractions, such as the Gishwati-Mukura National Park and the Kigali Convention Centre, to increase its revenue earnings to $400 million by the end of this year.

Rwanda Development Board CEO, Francis Gatare, says the country projects a tourism earnings growth of 25% this year to $400 million, up from $318 million in 2015.

He says the country’s industry is on an upward trend, bolstered by the new Gishwati-Mukura National Park and the iconic Kigali Convention Centre, which opened in July. He said other attractions boosting tourism included the Cultural Village in Kigali and new adventure activities on Lake Kivu.

Mountain gorillas also attract a large number of international holidaymakers.

 “We expect a jump in tourism earnings this year as a result of new attractions and facilities that are attracting more visitors to our nation,” he said. International visitor numbers this year are expected to grow 4% on the 1.3 million visitors last year.