Gorilla tourism continues to be one of the major sources of revenue from visitors to Rwanda, generating nearly $45.7 million, equivalent to more than Rwf65 billion, in the second quarter of 2026 alone.
According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR)’s 2026 Travel Expenditure Survey, between April and June 2026, expenditure from leisure trips made by visitors who arrived in Rwanda by air amounted to $57.6 million.
Of this amount, the report indicates that 79.4% was related to gorilla tourism. Calculating 79.4% of $57.6 million gives approximately $45.7 million.
This means gorilla tourism accounted for nearly 28% of Rwanda’s total travel services revenue in the second quarter of 2026, which stood at $161.8 million.
ALSO READ: https://agaciropress.com/rwanda-to-partner-with-almonty-industries-in-wolfram-mining/
Gorilla Tourism Revenue Goes Beyond Trekking Permits
However, the $45.7 million was not generated solely from the purchase of gorilla trekking permits. NISR’s figures cover the total amount visitors spent in Rwanda, including accommodation, food and beverages, domestic transportation, shopping, entertainment, visits to tourist attractions and other services.
In other words, visitors who come to see gorillas generate revenue for the country not only through trekking permits but also through hotels, restaurants, transportation, goods they purchase and other services they use during their stay in Rwanda.
ALSO READ: https://agaciropress.com/can-you-be-punished-for-injuring-or-killing-someone-who-attacked-you/
More Than 6,000 Visitors Came to See Gorillas
Figures from Rwanda’s Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration show that during the second quarter of 2026, 6,023 visitors who entered Rwanda by air indicated that gorilla tourism was the purpose of their trip.
North American visitors accounted for the largest share, with 3,469 people, followed by visitors from Europe, who numbered 1,008. Visitors from other parts of the world numbered 590, while those from other African countries totaled 412. Visitors from East Africa numbered 294, and those from Asia totaled 250.
The figures highlight the continued importance of the North American market to Rwanda’s tourism sector.
ALSO READ: https://agaciropress.com/ishimwe-vestine-begins-divorce-process-citing-husbands-infidelity/
North American Visitors Lead Spending
Overall, visitors from North America also spent more than any other group arriving in Rwanda by air during the quarter, spending $40.2 million.
Visitors from Europe spent $27.7 million, while those from other African countries spent $27.1 million. Visitors from East African Community countries spent $22.2 million.
ALSO READ: https://agaciropress.com/rwandan-investors-can-now-buy-shares-in-dangote-refinery/
Tourism Remains the Leading Source of Travel Revenue
In the second quarter of 2026, leisure and tourism trips generated more revenue for Rwanda than any other travel purpose.
They generated $59.7 million, accounting for 36.9% of total travel services revenue. Visits to friends and relatives generated $45.5 million, while business and work-related trips generated $40.2 million.
Among air travelers alone, leisure visitors spent $57.6 million, those visiting friends and relatives spent $37.3 million, while business travelers spent $33.1 million.
NISR data also shows that Rwanda generated a total of $161.8 million in travel services revenue in the second quarter of 2026, up from $151.4 million in the first quarter.
