Hotels in Rwanda will soon undergo classification, following a Cabinet decision to approve a ministerial order that all tourist facilities be classified.

All East African countries, which include Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Burundi, are required to classify their tourist establishments before the end of this year. Some years ago, the East African Community set up regional classification and standardisation criteria for member countries to rate their hotels from one-star to five-star.

According to Rwanda Development Board Chief Executive, Francis Gatare, the exercise will see tourist facilities classified and licensed under categories including hotels, lodges and camps. After inspection, properties will be rated from one-star to five-star.

Gatare said the classification was key as it would help improve standards and services offered to holidaymakers to enable the destination to be competitive.

After the classification, he said, facilities would be issued with a two-year licence, renewable only after inspection.

Rwanda’s Chamber of Tourism Vice Chairperson, Francine Havugimana, said the classification was a step in the right direction as it was in the interests of the industry. With the classification, she added, the association would be in a position to help members establish the kind of training and support they required to upgrade their facilities.

“The classification is taking place across the East African region and therefore there is need for us to comply with harmonisation of standards in the hospitality industry,” said Gatare.

In Kenya, the classification of hotels began last year and is expected to be concluded between October and November.

So far, 228 hotels, lodges and tented camps from the Kenya coast, Nyanza, Western and Rift Valley regions have been classified and star rated.

Hotels in Nairobi are expected to be classified next month.