Residents of Kibeho Sector in Nyaruguru District say ongoing infrastructure development has significantly increased the benefits they derive from religious tourism, as visitors to the Holy Land of Kibeho are now spending more time in the area instead of seeking accommodation in other districts as was previously the case.
Kibeho receives thousands of pilgrims from across the world who come to pray and visit the site of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary, which were officially recognized by the Vatican. However, for many years, the limited number of hotels and accommodation facilities meant that many visitors chose to spend the night elsewhere, reducing the economic benefits for local communities.
Thérèse Uwamariya, who runs a business selling religious items and other products used by Catholic pilgrims visiting Kibeho, says the improvement of infrastructure has brought remarkable changes to the livelihoods of residents.
“Today, we have better roads, and more hotels and accommodation facilities are being built to provide visitors with places to rest. Before these infrastructures were developed, many people would come to Kibeho and then spend the night in other districts. Now, we are benefiting as well because the money remains within the community. During periods when we receive many visitors, I can earn up to Rwf100,000 a day,” she said.
Innocent Dusabimana, another businessman in Kibeho, says the blessings associated with the Marian apparitions have created important economic opportunities for local residents.
“There are many benefits we gain from this. If you sell holy water or other items needed by pilgrims, they leave money behind, which helps families meet their basic needs, pay school fees and access healthcare. These hotels have transformed many things. In the past, most foreign visitors would leave and spend the night elsewhere, but today many of them stay here in Nyaruguru,” he said.
Dr. Emmanuel Murwanashyaka, the Mayor of Nyaruguru District, says the district administration will continue investing in infrastructure linked to religious tourism in order to improve hospitality services and enhance the welfare of residents.
“As a district that receives a large number of pilgrims every year, we will continue to develop infrastructure, including hotels and affordable accommodation facilities. We will also work closely with our partners to promote the district’s development and improve the well-being of residents, while ensuring quality services for all our visitors,” he said.
Dr. Murwanashyaka also called on investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in the district.
“We encourage investors to seize the opportunities that exist in Nyaruguru, particularly those related to religious tourism. There are also many other sectors with untapped potential that should be harnessed to ensure continued development for both the district and its residents,” he added.
Kibeho is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Rwanda and internationally, as it is the only site in Africa where apparitions of the Virgin Mary have been officially recognized by the Vatican. It has become one of the country’s leading religious tourism destinations, attracting more than one million visitors annually from Rwanda and around the world.
The growing number of hotels, guesthouses and improved road networks is regarded as one of the key factors strengthening Kibeho’s position as a major center for religious tourism, while at the same time enabling local communities to increasingly benefit from the economic opportunities generated by visiting pilgrims.
