Staff Interview with Bazigaga Moreen

What inspired you to work for Red Rocks Eco Tours?

It was the best place to showcase my ability to market my country. Also, I was inspired by the dedication of the staff and I wanted to be part of a team that was driven and accomplished. 

Describe a typical day at work.

I arrive at the office around 7:30 a.m. and check my emails to see if any previously made partnership requests have been confirmed. I then proceed to updating our social media pages with new pictures and essays. 

Why do you do what you do?

I love my job and I feel that I add value and am valued at Red Rocks Eco Tours. Whenever I am able to convert clients through my marketing strategies, I gain so much fulfillment and happiness. 

What is your favorite part of your job?

I enjoy reaching out and connecting with potential partner organizations. I also love answering all the questions posed to me by new agents and clients who found us on social media.

How do you use your education and international background in your current role?

I have found my degree in social work to be incredibly beneficial to my work with partners and clients. My education informs how I communicate with others. I am always looking for ways my company can bring positive change to the community in Rwanda and the rest of the world. 

What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?

The most common challenge I encounter is content related. It is important that our digital content be clear and concise so that our target markets will understand the intended point. 

What are some current projects you are working on?

I am working on increasing our digital presence and our number of interactions by developing a Youtube channel. The channel will feature videos showcasing all the different activities and experiences we offer at Red Rock Eco Tours.  

What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?

I would tell myself to travel with a recognized company. This is because there are a lot of fraudulent businesses in the tourism industry so it's wise to always look for a legit company to arrange your travels. 

What makes Red Rocks Eco Tours special?

Red Rock Eco Tours is special for its expressed emphasis on both sustainability and culture. This has earned our company a name within the Ecotourism industry. We also are well known within our country for being one of the only companies offering this kind of service.

Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?

We understand and value our guests' financial commitment and we offer authentic and affordable packages compared to our competitors within the region. We want our clients to have their dream tour!

What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?

I hope that we become the leading sustainable, culturally conscious tour company in the country and the region at large. This is because we want to promote conservation while also conserving our cultural heritage.

Are there any developments with your organization that you would like to share with us?

Yes! We have recently created the Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development. This department is meant to engage with local communities and build sustainable development programs around the Volcanoes National Park.

What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?

Our experiences and activities are incredibly exciting. Visitors can expect to experience all they were hoping for when traveling with us.

What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?

Our mission is to support educational training, environmental protections, and sustainable conservation practices. We want to encourage women and children to participate in activities that save mother nature.

What do you hope participants take away from your programs?

I hope participants take skills that will further them in their career and that they continue working with others to protect our environment. I also hope that they encourage people to travel and participate in one of our tours. 

How do you help support participants?

I share my own knowledge and advise them on the proper ways to conduct themselves. I also try to answer all of their questions clearly and quickly.

If you could participate in one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?

I would go on one of the cultural tours because I am always interested in learning the traditions and lifestyles of other people. I also love to engage in cultural experiences and our cultural tours include fun activities such as dancing, cooking, and dressing. 

What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?

The most common question I get is “How do you engage with the international market?” I always respond that the internet has made the world into a small village. Social media allows us to interact with potential clients from around the world. 

Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?

It is important because it opens your mind and gives you a different perspective on the world and how we interact and see one another. You also learn more about the diversity of people and how we can make the world a better place.

Why do you think learning a new language is important?

Learning a new language is so important because it helps you to better communicate with the people and culture of a different country while you are in that country. Once you learn a new language, you will have the confidence to ask questions and form lasting relationships with others.

What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?

I would advise them to know the basic lifestyle of the country they are going to as well as the laws. 

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Meaningful travel to me means learning something new. Meeting and connecting with new people through travel offers you the opportunity to both learn and teach.

What does ethical global engagement mean to you?

Ethical global engagement means respect. People from all over the world should work together to understand and respect different cultures.

What hopes do you have for the future of international education?

I hope that more schools mandate educational tours to other parts of the world so that the students get to experience the cultural diversity of other countries.

What qualities in program & host community relations are important to you? (And your organization?)

We value great teamwork, strong leadership, honesty, and time management. Above all, we believe teaching and learning from one another as well as respecting other people's cultural beliefs to be of the utmost importance.