Across Rwanda’s diverse landscapes—from the misty volcanoes in the north to the savannah plains in the east, the shores of Lake Kivu in the west, and the rich cultural heartlands in the south—local communities have long been the custodians of the country’s natural and cultural heritage. Yet, many of these communities have remained on the margins of tourism benefits.

Red Rocks Community Benefit Company (CBC) is changing this narrative. Through a growing network of community-based tourism hubs across all four provinces, Red Rocks CBC is building a national model of community-owned, environmentally responsible tourism that places local people at the center of development. The initiative focuses on strengthening market access, improving local enterprise capacity, and ensuring that tourism revenues directly benefit rural communities.

At the core of this model is a simple but powerful idea: tourism can only be sustainable if it supports the people and ecosystems that make it possible. The Red Rocks CBC approach is guided by four key pillars. First, conservation, in which communities actively participate in protecting wildlife and restoring ecosystems. Second, eco-accommodation, which promotes sustainable lodges inspired by local architecture and environmentally friendly practices. Third, community experiences, offering authentic, locally owned tourism activities that create jobs and income. Finally, cultural and heritage events, which safeguard traditions, oral histories, and cultural expressions for future generations.

Each provincial hub reflects the identity of its landscape and people. By empowering communities to own and lead tourism, Red Rocks CBC demonstrates that sustainable tourism can be a powerful tool for inclusive growth, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship.