Any new tourism and hospitality establishment must apply for the tourism operating licence (TOL) before commencement of operation as required by the 2014 tourism law, Irène Murerwa, the Chief Tourism Officer at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), has explained. The explanation follows a recent dispute that led to the temporary closure of Château Le Marara, a hotel in Karongi District, which was found to be operating without a tourism operating licence. ALSO READ: Château Le Marara hotel temporarily closed A tourism and hospitality establishment is any business or facility that provides services related to accommodation, food, beverages, or entertainment to guests, travellers, or the general public. These establishments are part of the hospitality industry, which focuses on customer satisfaction and leisure. Public Notice: Non-Licensed Tourism & Hospitality Entities pic.twitter.com/RQPnVwC01Q — Rwanda Development Board (@RDBrwanda) July 24, 2025 Examples of hospitality establishments include hotels and motels, guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants, cafés, and bars, resorts and spas, lodges and campsites, venues for weddings or conferences, among others. ALSO READ: Inside Rwanda's $106m lakeshore hospitality projects “Any establishment registered and falling under the criteria set for Tourism Entities should immediately apply for the tourism operating license (TOL). We have all the necessary detailed information to comply with the application process,” Murerwa explained. Upon receipt of an application for an operating licence, RDB assesses the application and replies in writing within a period not exceeding fifteen days from the receipt of the application, specifying that the tourism entity has been granted an operating licence, has to add missing documents to its application dossier, or has been denied a licence and reasons for denial. The RDB issued a public notice on Thursday, July 24, reminding all tourism and hospitality establishments to get the operating licence. These businesses are accommodation establishments, tour operators, travel agents, and tour guides, restaurants, coffee shops, bars and nightclubs. All tourism and hospitality operators are reminded that compliance with Rwanda's licensing requirements is mandatory. The operating license is critical as it helps uphold national standards for service quality, safety, hygiene, and infrastructure, the RDB said in the announcement. Requirements for tourism operating licence A 2016 ministerial order determines requirements and fees for a tourism entity to be granted an operating licence after being inspected. ALSO READ: Hotel managers blame owners for poor service For instance, the owner of a town/vacation hotel, a motel, a villa, a cottage, and a serviced apartment must have an occupational permit, valid trading licence, drainage system, room designation, safe deposit, hand wash basin, washrooms, waste/refuse disposal, sewage disposal and treatment, vermin proofing contract, water supply systems, and communication systems. The owner must also have security systems, fire safety equipment, an electrical safety certificate, first aid boxes, proof of qualification/experience of management staff, proof of qualification/experience of departmental heads, a health/medical examination certificate, property and liability insurance, strong internet connectivity as per available guidelines, membership of the recognised accommodation association, and a system for protecting against child abuse. ALSO READ: Rwanda records over 21,000 hotel rooms Within the framework of evidencing its compliance with the requirements of this order, a licensed tourism entity must submit a status report to the government organ in charge of tourism. A tourism entity seeking an operating licence or applying for its modification must pay fees equivalent to Rwf80,000. An operating licence shall be valid for an unspecified period. Cancellation of licence However, it may be cancelled or revoked in accordance with the provisions of this law. Murerwa said that under Article 10 of the 2014 regulating the tourism industry in Rwanda, licences may be suspended or revoked in several circumstances. “Such circumstances include failure to comply with inspection findings. When a tourism entity does not make required corrections or fulfil minimum operational conditions after being instructed to do so, the licence is suspended or revoked,” Murerwa said. She said circumstances which can trigger suspension also include risks to public health, safety, or the environment. “This applies where emergency conditions are found that may endanger guests, staff, or the surrounding ecosystem. They also include repeated or serious violations of the law. Any deliberate, ongoing, or serious breach of legal provisions can lead to immediate enforcement action.” In cases of emergencies that may jeopardise public health, the environment, or public safety, another relevant entity shall temporarily suspend the tourism entity and inform RDB in writing within two days in order for the board to make a decision within five days. In case the board considers cancelling an operating licence, it shall notify the tourism entity in writing at least 60 days before the cancellation of the licence. However, in case a tourism entity holding an operating licence seriously jeopardises the environment, health, or public safety, the board may immediately withdraw the licence from the tourism entity without notice. “These measures are designed to protect consumers, promote fairness in the industry, and ensure that Rwanda’s tourism sector remains competitive and reliable,” she added.
