Kigali, Rwanda, April 1, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Travulous, a specialist destination management company located in Rwanda – known for its ethos of promoting tourism as an economic engine for the benefit of wildlife conservation – today announced a new and exclusive travel partnership with African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), the primary advocate for the protection of wildlife and wild lands as an essential part of a modern and prosperous Africa.
Dating back to the 1960s, AWF has worked to conserve critical habitats for African wildlife and developed safe spaces for endangered gorilla populations in Rwanda. In partnership with the Government of Rwanda and Rwanda Development Board, AWF worked with the government to expand Volcanoes National Park for the first time in 30 years.
“We are thrilled to be working with AWF and wholeheartedly share their vision for making wildlife and wild lands the centerpiece of sustainable development,” says Richard Pfaffli, Co-Founder of Travulous and former Travel Provider for The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. “I have been an avid admirer of AWF since the early 2000s, whilst working to help fund mountain gorilla conservation by bringing tourists to Rwanda to visit these magnificent creatures.”
As part of this new partnership in Rwanda, Travulous will operate conservation-based itineraries and events for AWF stakeholders and wildlife advocates wishing to experience Rwanda’s world-famous tourism highlights. Travulous will help by expanding opportunities to leisure and corporate travelers, who want to learn more about the inspiring work of AWF in Rwanda, and support its mission to strengthen Rwandan communities.
Travulous Co-Founder Kristin McGee explains, “with our experience in the luxury travel industry and bespoke event management sector, we aim to create a communications platform for AWF to raise awareness about its strategic vision, latest news and project updates, in addition to providing travelers with truly meaningful travel experiences and a deeper understanding of conservation in Rwanda.”
AWF Senior Vice President Craig Sholley said: “We are excited to work with Travulous because they understand and support AWF’s community-conservation mission. In 2007, AWF developed the first community-owned lodge in Rwanda, improving livelihoods and uplifting the community. The success story of Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge illustrates the vital role that wildlife can play in the well-being of communities, engaging local people to become conservation ambassadors and a serious voice for wildlife. Travulous provides meaningful community experiences to engage a broader global audience, which makes the partnership with AWF in Rwanda a great fit.”
About Travulous
As one of East Africa’s leading Destination Management Companies, Travulous specializes in creating authentic, immersive, and memorable luxury travel experiences in Rwanda and Uganda, including extension itineraries to Kenya and Tanzania. Located in Kigali, Rwanda, the Travulous team has more than 20 years of luxury travel industry and bespoke event management experience and prides itself on its ability to design inspirational travel itineraries and exclusive events.
About the African Wildlife Foundation
African Wildlife Foundation launched a series of events in October 2021 celebrating its 60th Anniversary. Founded in 1961 to focus on Africa’s conservation needs, AWF articulates a uniquely African vision, bridge science and public policy, and demonstrate the benefits of conservation to ensure the survival of the continent’s wildlife and wild lands. AWF is the primary advocate for the protection of wildlife and wild lands as an essential part of a modern and prosperous Africa.