From November 7 to 9, 2025, in France, at Parc de l’Exposition in Colmar, an international tourism exhibition brought together participants from various countries around the world to showcase tourism opportunities from their respective nations.
The exhibition, which attracted over 500 participants, gathered institutions and organizations involved in promoting tourism and culture. It aimed to provide a platform for sharing experiences and opportunities that highlight the beauty and diversity of global travel destinations.
The Nyaruguru District, known as a Holy land in Rwanda, also took part in this major international event. The district presented its faith-based tourism, particularly Kibeho, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Africa, where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1982. Every year, thousands of Catholic pilgrims from all over the world gather there to pray and celebrate faith.
In addition to faith-based tourism, the Nyaruguru delegation showcased other attractions from the district, including cultural tourism, eco-tourism, and community-based tourism initiatives that contribute to local development.
Gabriel Nkuriyimana, President of COPIL (Nyaruguru District, Gikongoro Catholic Diocese, and ADENYA), said the exhibition provided a great opportunity to promote the holy site of Kibeho on an international level.
“It is truly amazing to see how people from different regions of France are eager to learn about and visit the holy land of Kibeho. Many expressed their curiosity about its history, the apparitions of the Virgin Mary, and how the site has evolved into a center of faith-based tourism.” He spoke.
During the event, Nkuriyimana Gabriel was accompanied by Mgr. Eugene Dushimurukundo, the Rector of the Kibeho Sanctuary. Together, they explained to visitors the historical background of Kibeho, the annual religious events held there, and the sustainable ways in which faith tourism is being developed.
The exhibition continues to serve as an excellent platform to promote Kibeho as one of Africa’s most significant religious destinations. It is also expected to strengthen the development of faith-based tourism in Nyaruguru District and Rwanda as a whole.
Nyaruguru is characterized by rolling green hills and vast tea plantations that beautifully reflect the image of Rwanda, “the Land of a Thousand Hills.” It is also rich in history and culture, including Mount Gitara, known as the birthplace of the traditional royal warrior dance, a cultural heritage that remains preserved to this day.
