Colombia’s National Tourism Register (RNT): a practical guide

The National Tourism Register (RNT) is a mandatory legal requirement for all individuals or legal entities offering tourism services in Colombia. Its main purpose is to identify and formalise providers in the sector, ensure minimum quality standards and enable oversight of compliance with consumer protection and sustainability rules.

The register is not limited to hotels or travel agencies. Rural accommodation, digital accommodation platforms, event organisers, theme parks, bars offering tourism services, guides, tourist transport, glamping operators and, generally, anyone offering experiences related to leisure, culture or relaxation must also register.

Why is the RNT mandatory?

In Colombia, tourism is considered a service of general interest. For this reason, Law 300 of 1996 (the General Tourism Law), together with Decree 229 of 2017 and Resolution 3860 of 2015, establishes that no tourism service provider may operate legally without being registered in the RNT.

The Police Code (Law 1801 of 2016) provides for financial penalties and even temporary or permanent closure of establishments operating without this requirement.

Which businesses need the RNT?

The list is extensive and goes beyond the hotel sector. Typical examples include:

• Hotels, hostels, glamping sites and tourist apartments.

• Travel agencies and tour operators.

• Land or river tourist transport companies.

• Tourist guides.

• Theme parks, convention centres and themed bars.

• Digital ventures offering tourism experiences.

• Event venues, destination weddings and MICE tourism.

What are the benefits of RNT registration?

In addition to avoiding penalties, RNT registration offers important legal and commercial advantages:

• Formalisation: recognition by the State as an official provider.

• Access to benefits: eligibility for funding programmes, industry lending and support from FONTUR or MINCIT.

• Customer confidence: tourists see the business as serious, reliable and lawful.

• Avoidance of closures or fines: operating without the RNT is considered unlawful.

• International expansion: some international agreements require proof of lawful operation for partnerships or distribution.

How do you register in the RNT?

The process is free, entirely online and carried out through rnt.mincomercio.gov.co.

Main requirements

1. Registration with the Chamber of Commerce for a tourism-related economic activity.

2. Compliance with special requirements depending on the type of service (for example, RETI registration and a sustainability certificate in certain cases).

3. A Single Tax Register (RUT).

4. Completion and annual updating of the online form.

5. Submission of the documents required for the relevant category.

What happens if I do not have an RNT registration?

• You face fines of up to 50 statutory monthly minimum wages (SMMLV), under Law 2068 of 2020.

• The Mayor’s Office or Police may order the immediate closure of the establishment.

• You cannot participate in trade fairs or promote the business as a lawful tourism destination.

• Consumers or competitors may file complaints against you.

What if I have an RNT registration but do not update it?

RNT registration must be updated between 1 January and 31 March each year. If it is not updated, it is automatically suspended and the business is considered to be operating outside the legal framework.

Registration in the National Tourism Register is a requirement, not an optional extra. It is a legal requirement, a step towards professionalisation and a practical way to open your business to new growth opportunities.

At Marín Ortega Consultores Jurídicos, we provide step-by-step support with RNT registration, updating and regularisation, as well as the legal structuring of tourism operations. From glamping sites to food experiences and concerts, we help you operate with confidence and the required paperwork in order.