Rwanda has launched the first hot air balloon, an event that comes to boost tourism sector which has been largely affected by COVID-19.

Since Wednesday, the venture by Royal Balloon Rwanda operates two hot air balloons that can accommodate 4 to 6 guests.

They started the project in Eastern Province flying above Akagera National Park. It is the famous park of the country with scenic savanna-covered landscapes, home to the big five family: lions, buffaloes, leopards, elephants and rhinos.

The hot air balloon climbs as high as 100 meters to 1,000 meters above the park.

"We are pleased to partner with Royal Balloon Rwanda to add yet another exciting product to Rwanda's adventure tourism experiences," said Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Development Board (RDB) which is in charge of tourism.

" We hope that by introducing this new tourism activity, we will support conservation efforts and contribute to tourism in Rwanda," said Atilla Turkmen, Managing Director of the Royal Balloon Rwanda.

Rwanda's tourism is dominated by wildlife including parks visit. The country is working hard to recover tourism sector which saw a 76 percent decline from 498 million U.S. dollars in 2019 to 121 million U.S. dollars in 2020.