The annual registration and licensing of businesses under the various Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (INTUR) categories is in process. There are numerous categories of businesses that come under their purview for licensing (see below).
The Registration and Quality Department at INTUR
This department is currently promoting the initial applications and renewals with INTUR as part of their mission to “provide national and international visitors a sense of comfort and security of patronizing an approved establishment”.
The INTUR licensing and fee payment procedure is also required for many businesses as part of their municipal business license process (matricula), in particular bars and restaurants in order to obtain the liquor license from the National Police. This component of the local business renewal procedure is similar to the other requirements, such as the health certificate for the premises and serving staff and the fire department certificate.
Tourism Business Categories
As indicated above, there are many different categories. Most of them are listed below. If in doubt, consult your local INTUR office;
Restaurants, cafes, discotheques, bars and nightclubs.
Hotels, large guesthouse (more than 15 rooms), apartment-hotel, motels, small guesthouse (less than 15 rooms), family hostals, hostels, cabins, guest houses and rooming houses.
Vehicle leasing, rent a car (land), water transport (river, lake and sea), land and water tourist transport companies.
Airlines, travel operators, travel agencies, port companies, national and local tourist guides, handicraft centers and works of art.
Convention centers, tourist marinas, permanent tourist attraction parks, tourist promotion agencies and all those related to cultural and sports recreation, ecotourism, rural and community tourism.
NATIONAL TOURIST QUALITY SYSTEM (SNCT)
Under this title, Sistema Nacional de Calidad Turística (SNCT) the Registration Department s is responsible for classifying the business under the correct tourism category, issuing and renewing their annual license (based on current legislation) as well as verifying the quality of the services provided to visitors through the National Tourism Quality System.
The National Tourism Quality System guidelines are used by officials from INTUR to evaluate applicants (or those businesses INTUR has approached) from the tourism sector using four basic headings; Infrastructure, Equipment, Internal Objectives (Operational) and Customer Service.
They will then grant (or renew) the annual license and provide a certificate for the business to display in a prominent place.
History and Background
The Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (INTUR) was originally established in 1998 by the passing of Law No. 298 – Law Creating the Nicaraguan Tourism Institute (INTUR). They are responsible for the direction and application of the national policy on tourism and to promote, develop and increase tourism in Nicaragua.
