Expression of Interest (EOI)

Consultancy services for Web, branding and photo of tourist destinations

Reference Number: 83448641

Publication date: 19.09.2023

Introduction

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federally owned international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations. The GIZ Office in Kigali covers GIZ’s portfolio in Rwanda and Burundi. GIZ Rwanda/Burundi implements projects on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the European Union and other commissioning authorities in the following priority areas: Sustainable Economic Development, Good Governance, Climate, Energy and Sustainable Urban Development, Digitalization and Digital Economy, Mineral Governance, Peace, and Security in the Great Lakes Region.

1. Context

Rwanda aspires to improve standards of living for all its citizens in the Vision of 2050. The Country is aiming to become a middle-income economy by 2035 and high-income economy by 2050. The Vision will be implemented through a series of seven-year National Strategies for Transformation (NST1), underpinned by detailed sectoral strategies that are aimed toward achievement of the SDGs and the Africa Agenda 2063. The NST1 came after the implementation of two, five-year Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategies—EDPRS (2008-12) and EDPRS-2 (2013-18), under which Rwanda experienced robust economic and social transformations. The growth averaged 7.5% over the decade to 2018 while per capita growth domestic product (GDP) grew at 5% annually. However, the rate of unemployment and underemployment is still prominent. With strategies like the NST 1 (2018-2024) and the Private Sector Development and Youth Employment Strategy (PSDYES), the Government of Rwanda is promoting skills development and the creation of off-farm jobs.

The Programme Skills Development for Economic Transformation (SD4T) as part of the priority area “Sustainable economic development, training and employment” of the Rwandan-German Development Cooperation, is supporting these efforts. Skills Development for Economic Transformation with the objective of pro-employment growth in Rwandan light industry is aligned with the principles of inclusiveness, productivity and environmental sustainability and will be implemented between January 2023 and December 2025.

The Programme aims at employment-intensive growth through strengthening the capacities of key sectoral institutions; improving the quality of TVET measures; increasing the performance of companies and enhancing women’s economic participation.

As one of the largest and most successful private sectors and the largest contributor to Rwanda’s export value, GIZ is building on previous achievements by continuing to support tourism. Due to its impact and size, tourism works as a motor for other sectors by increasing demand in manufacturing, conservation, agriculture, and other services.

The GIZ SD4T project aims to achieve sustainable tourism development by implementing a comprehensive strategy to hand over tourism interventions to partner districts through a local destination management model. The project focuses on empowering and engaging local communities, stakeholders, and authorities in the decision-making process, fostering ownership and accountability at the grassroots level. By providing capacity-building programs, knowledge transfer, and technical support, the project enables districts to develop their unique tourism potential while preserving their cultural and environmental assets. Through a participatory approach, the GIZ SD4T project ensures that the local communities are actively involved in planning, implementing, and monitoring tourism activities, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility for their own destinations. This model ensures that tourism development is in line with the needs and aspirations of the local population, leading to long-term sustainable growth and benefits for the communities and their environment.

Rusizi District

Rusizi District is one of the seven districts of the Western Province in Rwanda, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. The district is fortunate to be part of the Nyungwe Tourism Destination Management Area and have Nyungwe Forest, a National Park with a diverse fauna and flora that attracts a large number of tourists. Rusizi District intends to be an outstanding green city in Rwanda. 

The district is also surrounded by Lake Kivu, which serves as a tourist attraction as well as a stimulus for business growth owing to fish trade and other associated industries. The district has several accommodation facilities ranging from big four-star hotel to small guest houses as well as conference and meeting facilities. Rusizi is also proud to have the current second largest airport in Rwanda and is intending to extend the airport to support tourism. 

Rusizi is endowed with tourism potentials and believe these can create employment hence transforming the economy of the district. This is intended to be achieved through the development of a tourism development plan that will guide the tourism in stakeholders’ coordination, tourism products development and diversification, marketing as well as the capacity building for the service providers.

Rubavu District

Rubavu is one of seven districts in the Western Province and one of only five districts bordering Lake Kivu. The district borders the larger town of Goma in DRC and has one of the most trafficked border crossings in East Africa. Rubavu is recognized as a Destination Management Area in the Rwanda Sustainable Tourism Masterplan.

Rubavu has a strategic location on the shores of Lake Kivu and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rwanda amongst domestic travelers. Apart from its lakeside resorts and restaurants, Nyamyumba Hot Springs, Rubavu Public Beach and the Congo Nile Trail are some of Rubavu’s most popular attractions. Rubavu’s scenic views makes it a prime venue for weddings and the cross-border trade attracts many business travelers. Rubavu is also the host to several international sporting events each year.

Tourism is already highlighted as a core sector in Rubavu. Rubavu has developed a destination management plan with the aim of increasing the number of international visitors to the district through better coordination, marketing and the development of attractions aimed at international visitors. 

Musanze District

Musanze District is one of 5 districts in the Northern Province. Home to the mountain gorillas, Musanze is the most popular destination in Rwanda for international tourists. Volcanoes National Park offers gorilla trekking, where visitors can observe these rare primates in their natural habitat. Some of the world’s best lodges are in Musanze District where they host upmarket visitors to the national park. Musanze offers a range of other activities apart from gorilla trekking. Hiking the Virunga Volcanoes, Caving and the nearby Twin Lakes are some of these attractions. Musanze also has a thriving network of community-based tourism experiences.

Musanze district aims to keep its place as Rwanda’s leading tourist destination and increase the impact visitors have on the local economy by extending visitor’s stay, marketing and diversifying the destinations offerings.

Key Stakeholders

Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA)

RCHA is a government institution with the main objective to preserve and promote the Rwandan language, culture, and historical heritage. It coordinates and promotes activities related to culture and creative activities. With the overall mandate to manage all national museums and heritage sites around the country, the academy is currently the core stakeholder in promoting cultural tourism in parts of the country, with the aim of national economic development. Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy has several heritage sites under its management.

Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

RDB is a government institution set up by merging government institutions responsible for the entire investor experience under one roof. This includes key agencies responsible for business registration, investment promotion, environmental clearances, privatization, and specialist agencies that support the priority sectors of ICT, Tourism and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and human capacity development in the private sector. RDB, in partnership with the RCHA, has been much involved in the development of the heritage sites, especially their signalization (both directional and informative).

Private Sector

The Rwanda Chamber of Tourism (RCOT) is one of the 10 professional chambers that currently exist under the umbrella of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) with a mandate of enhancing business opportunities through effective lobbying and advocacy for the tourism and hospitality industry in Rwanda. RCOT, in particular the Rwanda Hospitality Association (RHA), has been involved in the capacity building and coordination of its members to offer quality services to tourists.  Apart from the RHA, other private sector stakeholders are to be involved in the marketing and promotion of this destination. This includes, amongst others, potential private investors, transport, retailers in different services used by tourists, the private museum, Rwanda Tours and Travel Association, Rwanda Safari Guides Association, and the Community-Based Tourism Association.

Development Partners

The districts work together with a variety of development partners on several projects. The districts have been and will continue to collaborate with various development partners in the execution of a destination management plan in the tourism sector. The development partners' experts will provide technical support to the consultant in completing the specified duties.

Local Government

The local government plays a crucial role in the development of tourism in their daily work. They are responsible for creating an environment that is conducive to tourism planning, promoting, and regulating tourism. Musanze, Rubavu and Rusizi District local authorities are taking the lead in working to promote their districts as tourists’ destinations and create marketing campaigns to attract visitors. Additionally, the district local authorities will strive to provide support for local businesses through strategies that encourage tourism.

2. Tasks to be performed by the contractor

The contractor is responsible for providing the following services:

Team leadership and coordination

The consultant is responsible for the overall lead and coordination of the overall work of branding, web development, content development and photography to make sure coherence of all parts in accordance with the brand concepts developed and wishes from involved stakeholders.

8. Agreement on Data Protection and Management on behalf of the client:

Personal data will be processed on behalf of the client. Therefore, an agreement on “Outsourcing of data processing (AuV)” will be concluded with the contractor in accordance with Art. 28 GDPR. For this purpose, the technical and organisational measures (TOM) for compliance with the data protection requirements must be outlined prior to conclusion of the contract. If the contractor has already been audited by GIZ in the past, an update in accordance with GDPR must nevertheless be sent. After a positive check, the contract is concluded with the AuV attachment.

Please be informed that the Outsourcing of Data Protection (AuV) document will be shared with the service provider before signing the contract.

9. Freedom from third-party rights

The service provider warrants that all graphic design images/infographics (should they be used) are free from any copyright or other third-party rights that would prejudice the use of the designs to the extent described above. The service provider indemnifies GIZ against all third-party claims arising from the granting or exercise of the rights of use and shall reimburse GIZ for all costs incurred in connection with corresponding legal defence.

10. Annex / Attachments

Annex 1 – Grid for the technical assessment of bids

Annex 2 – Template for the Technical Proposal

Annex 3 – The development of a data processing system under the GDPR 

11.  Submission of offer: The Expression of Interest should contain the following:

1. Technical Proposal:
   • A cover letter expressing your interest in this assignment
   • Technical proposal with a brief description of why you would be considered as the most suitable for the assignment, relevant expertise, and a detailed, clear methodology, your approach to complete the assignment, template attached.
   • CV of the Consultants proposed
   • Company registration certificate (RDB)
   • VAT-Registration certificate
   • Latest tax clearance certificate if applicable
   • Proof of successful completion of related assignments.

1. Financial Proposal: indicates the all-inclusive daily rate, supported by a breakdown of all costs. The costs must be in RWF and VAT

Please submit electronically your EoI (technical & Financial offer) in 2 separated emails and should be in PDF files to this email ONLY: RW_Quotation@giz.de  until latest 4^th October 2023

Please you must write on each email subject this sentence: 

83448641 Technical/financial offer, without this sentence, your offer may not be considered

Hard copies are not allowed this time

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