The Rwandan government has announced plans to introduce a tourism levy aimed at supporting the growth and development of the country’s burgeoning tourism industry. The levy, which was approved by Rwanda’s Cabinet on February 10, 2025, is part of a series of tax policy reforms designed to strengthen various sectors of the economy.
The new tourism levy will be applicable to tourists staying at hotels in Rwanda and will be set at 3% of the overall room rate for the duration of the stay. This move is expected to generate significant revenue that will be reinvested into the development and promotion of Rwanda’s tourism sector.
While the Cabinet’s statement on the reforms did not provide a specific implementation date, it emphasized that the levy would be introduced before the conclusion of Rwanda’s 2024/25 financial year, which ends on June 30, 2025. This timeframe suggests that the levy will be rolled out within the next few months, marking an important milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance its tourism infrastructure.
The introduction of this levy aligns with Rwanda’s long-term strategy to position itself as a leading tourism destination in Africa. The government aims to further diversify its tourism offerings and increase international visitation, which in turn will create more jobs and opportunities for local communities.
The funds generated from the tourism levy will likely be used to support the development of new tourism projects, improve the quality of services and facilities, and strengthen marketing efforts to attract more visitors. The initiative is also expected to help maintain Rwanda’s reputation for eco-tourism, wildlife conservation, and cultural tourism.
Rwanda’s tourism sector has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with its mountain gorilla trekking experience being a major draw for tourists. The government’s focus on sustainable tourism practices and investment in infrastructure has positioned the country as one of Africa’s top travel destinations.
This new levy is part of Rwanda’s broader economic strategy, aiming to boost the tourism industry’s contribution to the national economy while ensuring that the growth of the sector benefits all Rwandans. With this levy, the government is confident that Rwanda will continue to build on its success in the global tourism market, attracting more visitors and supporting the local economy for years to come.
