What inspired you to work for Red Rock Rwanda?
I was eager to understand more about our culture and showcase it to tourists in Rwanda. I also enjoy the tourism industry because it is a well-paying industry and allows me to meet many people from different countries.
Describe a typical day at work.
I typically answer all incoming emails and meet guests at the Kigali International Airport. I meet and greet the guests and brief them on how their tours will be during their stay in Rwanda.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part is meeting guests, driving them around, and explaining all the natural attractions we have in our country. I enjoy getting to know others, creating lasting friendships even after the trip is over.
Me with our traditional women singing and dancing for tourists
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I turn what l learned in school into action by making sure that I professionally implement all my services, thus making sure that whoever books a trip with us is happy with our services
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
Sometimes we receive difficult clients who overestimate their needs and our services. I make sure that I just try and lower my temper and accept all what they request, taking into consideration that I need to make them happy for the duration of their trip.
What are some current projects you are working on?
At the moment, I am working on social media to advocate for future tourism after COVID-19. We are working on rebounding tourism in Rwanda, so I am just being patient and hoping that the situation will turn into the best.
What makes Red Rock Rwanda special?
Red Rock Rwanda is the only intercultural center in Rwanda showcasing our traditions to tourists, rather than just providing tours to visit national parks in Rwanda
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
Our services are excellent and we make sure that all our guests are happy with what they receive.
What hopes do you have for the future for Red Rock Rwanda?
I hope that we become one of the best tour companies in Rwanda, providing sustainable tourism and community development by providing projects that allow communities to put more resources to conservation processes.
Are there any developments with your organization that you would like to share with us?
The community development projects should be improved to ensure that locals benefit from tourism activities that happen around the volcanoes national park.
Together with the local artists learning more about art at our premises
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
To provide various expedition and exploration packages that focus on indigenous wildlife and aspects of Rwandese, Ugandan, and Congolese culture by offering domestic tours of Rwanda, one-day tours, romantic getaways, nature walks, bonfire nights, and team building activities.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
Participants should learn more about what we offer and interact with the locals, exchanging cultures and experiencing authentic cultures.
How do you help support participants?
We provide thorough communication about what is really on the ground to make the experiences authentic.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
Most questions which our clients ask nowadays are about the COVID-19 situation in our country and how we are coping.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
We learn from and share with different cultures, and this will make us more connected to others.
Women performing drumming at our premises
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Knowing foreign languages is nice because you can communicate with many people, and also learn more about other cultures, cuisines, medicinal practices, and more.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Good advice I have for individuals is to be conscious about other cultures and the way they dress, so you can respect those practices.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means traveling while respecting other cultures and customs.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
Ethical global engagement means that we acknowledge the reality of global inequality and that working towards ideals of justice requires that individuals take responsibility to learn about the social and historical forces that connect us to each other. Within this context, we engage in reflexive practice to critically examine our initiatives and partnerships so that we do not intentionally or inadvertently reproduce global inequalities or neglect the complex social justice, equity, and power relations in global issues.
