According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) Travel Expenditure Survey 2026, international visitors who arrived in Rwanda by air for holiday purposes spent a total of $57.6 million between April and June 2026.
Of this amount, 79.4% was associated with gorilla tourism. Based on the figure, gorilla-related tourism generated approximately $45.7 million during the quarter.
This means gorilla tourism accounted for nearly 28% of Rwanda’s total travel service earnings during the second quarter of 2026, which stood at $161.8 million.
However, the $45.7 million does not represent money generated solely from gorilla trekking permits. NISR’s figures cover the total expenditure of visitors in Rwanda, including accommodation, food and beverages, domestic transportation, shopping, entertainment, visits to tourist attractions and other services.
This means visitors who come to see mountain gorillas contribute to the economy beyond the cost of a trekking permit. Their spending also benefits hotels, restaurants, transport operators, retailers and other businesses that provide services during their stay.
More than 6,000 visitors came for gorilla tourism
Data from Rwanda’s Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration shows that 6,023 visitors who entered Rwanda by air during the second quarter of 2026 indicated that gorilla tourism was the purpose of their trip.
Visitors from North America accounted for the largest share, with 3,469 arrivals, followed by Europe with 1,008.
Other regions recorded 590 visitors, while other African countries accounted for 412, East Africa 294, and Asia 250.
The figures highlight the continued importance of the North American market to Rwanda’s tourism sector.
North American visitors also recorded the highest spending among air travelers during the quarter, with total expenditure of $40.2 million. European visitors spent $27.7 million, followed by visitors from other African countries at $27.1 million and those from East Africa at $22.2 million.
Tourism remains Rwanda’s leading source of travel earnings
Overall, holiday and tourism-related travel generated the largest share of Rwanda’s travel service earnings during the second quarter of 2026.
The category generated $59.7 million, representing 36.9% of the country’s total travel service earnings.
Visits to friends and relatives generated $45.5 million, while business and professional travel accounted for $40.2 million.
Among air travelers alone, holidaymakers spent $57.6 million, compared with $37.3 million spent by visitors traveling to see friends and relatives and $33.1 million by those traveling for business purposes.
Overall, Rwanda earned $161.8 million from travel services in the second quarter of 2026, up from $151.4 million recorded in the first quarter.
The figures underscore the continued role of tourism, particularly gorilla tourism, in bringing foreign visitors and spending into Rwanda’s economy.
