About

Summary

Rwanda has a wide variety of well-marked hiking and cycling trails, especially in the Kivu Belt region.  However, prior to this project there had been no central database for the collection, storage and dissemination of tourism products in Rwanda.  The overall objective of this project is to promote Rwanda’s outdoor tourism product by improving digitalization capacity amongst all stakeholders so that there is greater awareness amongst potential visitors about what the country offers.

Acorn collaborated with OTB Africa on the development of a central database system, a "front-end" website content management system, a mobile app, and a programme of digital marketing to raise awareness in the markets.  Training of local staff within the Rwanda Development Board is a key aspect of this project so that they can continue the processes and procedures set up by the project

Our Approach

There are four key phases to the project, with training being a fifth overarching activity that is being delivered throughout.  These four phases are:

• Data Management System (DMS): this stage includes the design and development of the database system that will store the content and feed it into the Content Management System (CMS).
• Content Management System (CMS): to most users this is known as the website.  It is the front end of the system and will display the data that is stored in the DMS.
• Mobile App: the app will essentially be a mobile version of the CMS.  However, it will be important for it to operate when the user is offline, so that it is still useful when being used in locations in Rwanda that are not connected to Wi-Fi or mobile networks.
• Digital Marketing: on completion of the DMS, CMS and App, it will be essential to raise awareness of the new site and to drive traffic to it.  This will be undertaken through social media channels and other online advertising.  
• Influencer Marketing campaign with a well known adventure blogger who travelled throughout Rwanda, promoting the new Mobile App, as well as the different activities Rwanda has to offer.

Outcome

This study researched, developed and built the key components of a tourism database and app system.  The next steps - in order to realise the potential this provides in terms of connecting visitors to businesses, encouraging visitors to travel to Rwanda, and increase awareness of the diversity of Rwanda’s tourism product, including outdoor activities - it will be essential that the database (DMS) is fully populated with products, the app is further marketed to increase awareness, and the content of the database is made more widely available through the Visit Rwanda website.