During an event held at the Marriott Hotel on August 20, 2025, RDB emphasized that Law No. 12/2014 of May 19, 2014, governing the organization of tourism in Rwanda, stipulates in Articles 5, 20, and 29 that every institution operating in the tourism sector must have an approved operating license. The same law grants RDB the authority to suspend or permanently close any businesses that fail to comply.
This warning follows earlier calls for compliance made on June 27, 2025, when RDB's Chief Executive Officer, Jean Guy Africa, addressed tourism stakeholders and reminded them that 'compliance is not just a bureaucratic requirement, it is a strategic necessity.'
On that occasion, he stressed that the Tourism Operating License is both a legal instrument and a quality assurance mechanism, the very foundation of consumer protection and Rwanda's reputation as a high-end destination.
Institutions considered part of the tourism sector include hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, motels, lodges and guest houses, tour operators, bars, and others.
Speaking at the Marriott Hotel, CEO Jean-Guy Africa reiterated this message, noting that inspections to assess compliance had already begun and urging operators to secure the required licenses without delay.
'Your dedication reflects our shared goal of building a strong, competitive, and welcoming tourism and hospitality sector. Partnership between government regulators and the private sector is what enables us to deliver quality services to every visitor or customer who chooses Rwanda,' he said.
He added: 'When a guest walks into a hotel or a nightclub in Kigali, it is not only a private business transaction but also part of the country's image. Their experience will shape their perception of Rwanda, determine whether they return, whether they act as our ambassadors abroad, or even decide to invest here or do the opposite.'
The CEO further underlined that ensuring quality standards and accountability is not only the responsibility of government, but also of private operators.
'Licensing ensures that every hospitality activity aligns with Rwanda's tourism and hospitality regulations. It is essential for protecting clients' safety, guaranteeing quality services, and safeguarding Rwanda's reputation. When I speak of reputation here, I mean the reputation of Rwanda itself,' he said.
In his earlier remarks in June, he had also warned that operating without a license has three major consequences: it puts clients at risk, it creates unfair competition, and it erodes Rwanda's imageâ€"a concern he repeated during the Marriott event.
The RDB CEO stressed that Rwanda has heavily invested in promoting the 'Visit Rwanda' brand, and this must be matched with service quality. He urged all operators to comply with requirements and maintain high standards.
Ongoing inspections are being conducted to verify compliance across the tourism sector. RDB is working in partnership with the Rwanda National Police, the City of Kigali, and the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB).
The inspections began on April 30, 2025, with five- and four-star hotels. In Kigali, 47 hotels were inspected; 27 in Musanze and Rubavu; and six in Karongi. The campaign was extended to the Eastern Province from August 11 to 22, 2025.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rdb-warns-hotels-operating-without-licenses
