Africa-Press – Rwanda. Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has issued new guidelines for tourism, hospitality, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE). The new guidelines follow a cabinet meeting that was held on September 1,2021on measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a document digitally signed by the RDB Deputy CEO Zephanie Niyonkuru, a number of guidelines may rekindle hope to a number of business owners in this highly battered tourism sector.
Among the guidelines; social gatherings such as concerts, festivals and exhibitions have been given a green light to resume gradually for participants under strict measures such as all organisers and service providers having a vaccination certificate and a negative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction or Rapid Antigen Covid 19 test taken within 72 hours before the particular event.
According to RDB, all events shall be held at 30% venue capacity for those convened indoors whereas a 50% capacity for those held outdoor. All participants of these events are also expected to adhere to the one meter physical distance and wear their facemasks properly at all times during the event.
It was also resolved that all event planners must request permission for events which include concerts, exhibitions and festivals at least 10 days before the event by contacting the Rwanda Convention Bureau.
Live performances are permitted to be held at designated event venues and hospitality establishments and performers must ensure that they are vaccinated and should have valid negative RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen Covid-19 test results taken within the last 72 hours.
The one meter social distancing must be respected as well as proper wearing of face masks at all times. Physical conferences and meetings have been allowed to continue with only 30% of the venue capacity and all participants are expected to present valid negative RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen Covid-19 test results taken in the last 72 hours.
Meanwhile, Hotels, restaurants and cafes will resume serving clients at 30%capacity for those indoors and 50% capacity for those outdoors and clients are encouraged to go get vaccinated and have regular tests of Covid-19. The hospitality and other accommodation facilities are required to ensure that their staff are tested for Covid-19 every 14 days.
Tourists including children visiting the country’s national parks will be required to present negative Covid-19 tests taken in the last 72 hours. However, a RT-PCR test is required for those visiting the Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks whereas a negative Rapid Antigen Covid-19 test result is accepted for the Akagera National Park.
International and domestic tourists are now welcome to engage in tourism activities across the country in adherence to the curfew hours and where this is not possible especially for tourists visiting the national parks, a prior application for a movement clearance must be submitted to the Rwanda Development Board to ensure a seamless experience while respecting Covid-19 guidelines.
Furthermore, hotels and restaurants are encouraged to continue providing on-site Covid-19 testing facilities for clients who may require the service. On this matter, the Rwanda Biomedical Centre will be responsible for providing the required technical support.
All residents planning on staying in hotels and other accommodation establishments provide valid negative Covid-19 test results taken within 72 hours. To the joy of many, swimming pools and massage services in tourism establishments are now open to both resident and non-resident clients as long as they present a vaccination certificate and negative Covid-19 tests taken within the last 72 hours.
