UNWTO AWARD WINNER GREG BAKUNZI CONTINUES TO LEAD SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH TOURISM
Content submitted by Red Rocks Initiatives – Gregory
Submited Date : 02/11/2020
Traditional dancers singing

Early last year the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recognized founder of Red Rocks Cultural Centre http://www.redrocksrwanda.com/ and Red Rocks Initiatives for ustainable Development http://development.www.redrocksinitiative.org/ for his role in pioneering sustainable tourism development in Africa. The award was in recognition of what Greg has been doing to promote tourism, conservation and community development in and around the Volcanoes National Park and the community tourism operator is using his vast amount of knowledge and experience to lobby for the inclusiveness of local Rwandans into destination and product management which ensures that the community plays a greater role in developing cultural products that are both directly beneficial while ensuring they sustaining their environment
Bakunzi β€˜s humble beginning is a journey that spans over 15 years in the travel and hospitality industry, taking him from working as young Rwandan tour organizer and guide for various international tour operators in the volcanoes way back after the conflict and through gradual hard work over the past years, he has gained experience and exceptional understanding of the needs and desires of the communities surrounding the national park and using his wide range of networks he has been able to motivate and engage locals in beneficial cultural based tourism activities that offer visitors memorable experiences while creating sustainable sources of income for the community.

Greg continues to serves his community with passion and still manages to do more philanthropic work which has created awareness for the protection of environmental and natural resources, Under the initiative for sustainable development, he has been able to bring under-served communities together into the tourism supply chain and also supports community development projects that help people help themselves through the Igihogo Banana Seed Bags,