Gorilla FriendlyTM Pledge Showcased at Oromia Tourism Week | International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)

The Gorilla Friendly^TM pledge was recently showcased by Rwanda Chamber of Tourism at Oromia Tourism Week held in Ethiopia from September 26-29/ 2023. The extraordinary annual event is a celebration of cultural diversity, technological innovation, and the boundless potential of tourism in the region. According to Rwanda Chamber of Tourism over 700 people were sensitized about the Gorilla Friendly^TM pledge, and these were mostly guests that visited the Rwanda Chamber of Tourism exhibition booth at the event. “We saw some attendees immediately reach for their phones and take the pledge on spot,” says Yves Ngenzi, Head of Strategic Programmes at Rwanda Chamber of Tourism.  “Since mountain gorillas are our major tourism export that brings in over 70 % of the tourism revenues, it is important that we preach to the world about a practical way to conserve these primates through responsible tourism. The Gorilla Friendly^TM pledge therefore comes in handy to elaborate on that.” adds Ngenzi.  About 100 Gorilla Friendly^TM Pledge materials including business cards and brochures were distributed at the event. Rapport was also made with some key tours and travel agencies like Yama Ethiopia Tour and Imagine Ethiopia Tours.  Since the Oromia exhibition, the number of people taking the pledge has increased from 1380 to 1408. Thanks to the partnership between IGCP and Rwanda Chamber of Tourism!  Rwanda Chamber of Tourism is the apex body for all private sector tourism establishments in Rwanda. For more about the Gorilla Friendly^TM Pledge, visit www.gorillafriendly.org