Hoteliers Not Ready to Adopt Star System

Greek hoteliers are not ready to adopt the automatic star categorization system suggested by government quarters: Government wants hoteliers to declare a star system category for their units by year-end through a simple signed declaration.

Hoteliers say the measure is irrelevant to their needs and that they will end up having to participate in a race to collect certificates while having to deal with heavy bureaucratic procedures. But tourism professionals believe that if government would extend the transitional period by a year or so, the hoteliers may accept the system.

According to the recent draft bill, hoteliers must place their units under a star system similar to the same category now approved. For example, a deluxe unit becomes a five-star unit and an “A” category unit becomes a four-star unit. A similar process is to be applied to rented rooms and apartments with the new key system. The first phase of the system should be in place by April 30 of next year.

After January 1, 2005, the classification selected by each accommodation unit must be inspected and approved by accredited agents on behalf of the National System of Accrediting.

This leaves hoteliers just months to acquire the proper accreditation. Some feel the transition period where authorities can ensure each unit adheres to the standard adopted should last at least until January of 2006.