Nyungwe National Park on Friday hosted Brazil’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Irene Vida Gala, in a visit that highlights growing diplomatic engagement and rising tourism interest between Rwanda and Brazil.
The ambassador toured the park alongside family members and described Nyungwe as an exceptional destination, praising its natural beauty and conservation value. Her visit comes amid broader efforts by Rwanda to attract tourists from non-traditional markets, including South America.
Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests, is a flagship site in Rwanda’s tourism portfolio, known for its biodiversity and the Canopy Walk, a major attraction for international visitors.
Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Gala said awareness of Rwanda as a travel destination is increasing in Brazil, driven largely by international branding efforts under the Visit Rwanda campaign.
“Many Brazilians are now asking what Rwanda is and why it is being promoted internationally,” she said, noting that interest is expanding beyond football audiences traditionally exposed to the brand through sports partnerships.
Brazil, which has a population of more than 214 million, represents an emerging tourism market for Rwanda as the country seeks to diversify visitor sources beyond Europe, North America, and regional travelers.
The ambassador’s visit also reflects deepening bilateral relations between Rwanda and Brazil following the establishment of resident embassies in Kigali and Brasília. Cooperation between the two countries has expanded into areas including tourism promotion, cultural exchange, education, and trade.
Officials familiar with the engagements said discussions have also touched on sports diplomacy, with potential collaborations involving Brazilian football institutions under consideration, though no formal agreements have been announced.
Rwanda’s tourism strategy increasingly emphasizes eco-tourism and conservation-based travel, with Nyungwe positioned as a key attraction for long-haul visitors seeking nature-focused experiences.
The visit comes as Rwanda steps up efforts to position itself as a destination of choice for travelers from Latin America ahead of 2026, leveraging diplomacy, branding, and conservation assets to expand its global tourism footprint.
