International visitors spent $313.2 million in Rwanda during the first half of 2026, with air travellers accounting for more than four-fifths of spending recorded in the second quarter, official statistics show.
The spending rose from $151.4 million in the first quarter to $161.8 million in the second, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda’s Travel Expenditure Survey.
Air travellers spent $135.4 million in the second quarter, representing 83.7% of total visitor spending. Those entering through land borders accounted for another $26.4 million.
Holidaymakers were the largest spending group in the second quarter, spending $59.7 million. Business travellers spent $40.2 million, while those visiting friends and relatives spent $4.5 million.
North American visitors accounted for the largest share of spending among those arriving by air, at $40.2 million. European visitors spent $27.7 million, while travellers from African countries outside the East African Community spent $27.1 million.
Among visitors arriving by land, travellers from EAC countries accounted for $13.6 million of spending during the quarter.
The survey covers international travellers’ expenditure on accommodation, food and drinks, domestic transport, entertainment, tourist attractions, medical services and other services.
The figures also show continued spending by Rwandans travelling abroad. Their travel expenditure increased from $98.1 million in the first quarter to $99.7 million in the second quarter, reaching $197.8 million for the first six months of 2026.
The data provides a breakdown of spending by travellers based on their mode of entry, purpose of travel and region of origin.
