Faith-Based Tourism Drives Hospitality Growth in Rwanda’s Kibeho Pilgrimage Site
NYARUGURU, Rwanda – Nyaruguru District is set to significantly expand its hospitality capacity with the completion of two major hotel projects aimed at improving accommodation services for the growing number of religious tourists visiting Kibeho, one of Africa’s most important Catholic pilgrimage sites.
The new facilities include Hotel Kibeho, being developed by the Catholic Diocese of Gikongoro. The hotel, which is nearing completion, will offer 36 rooms and has been built at a cost exceeding Rwf 2.2 billion.
Also nearing completion is the expanded Pacis Hotel, owned by the Benebikira Sisters. The project, valued at more than Rwf 1.8 billion, includes an additional 46 guest rooms and dormitory facilities capable of accommodating over 120 visitors. Upon completion, the hotel will have the capacity to host approximately 300 guests.
Speaking to local media, Sister Marie Emilienne Umutesi, who works at Pacis Hotel, said the facility was originally established to address the accommodation challenges faced by pilgrims visiting Kibeho, many of whom previously had to seek lodging elsewhere.
“We have spacious rooms that can accommodate up to six people, each with private bathroom facilities. We are particularly pleased that these options will also serve visitors with limited financial means, ensuring that everyone can access quality accommodation,” she said.
Sister Umutesi noted that the hotel’s expansion reflects nearly two decades of efforts to support religious tourism in Kibeho and encouraged other investors to explore opportunities in the area.
“We started with a small facility where visitors could simply rest and have a meal. Over time, we expanded in response to growing customer demand. We encourage other investors to come and build in Kibeho because the tourism potential is enormous,” she said.
Nyaruguru District Mayor Dr. Emmanuel Murwanashyaka said the district continues to implement projects aimed at increasing accommodation capacity in Kibeho. Besides the two hotels nearing completion, three additional hospitality facilities are currently undergoing renovation.
“We continue to call upon our partners, especially private investors, to support the development of tourism infrastructure. At the same time, we encourage service providers to maintain high standards so that visitors to Kibeho can enjoy efficient and quality services,” he said.
Prior to these developments, Kibeho had accommodation facilities capable of hosting approximately 210 guests. The completion of the two new hotels is expected to nearly triple that capacity.
Kibeho currently receives around 1.2 million visitors annually, underscoring the continued growth of faith-based tourism in Rwanda and the increasing importance of the pilgrimage destination on both the regional and international stage.
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