UNWTO Sets Criteria for Hotel Rating System

The second joint UNWTO/Norwegian Accreditation hotel classification report released on Thursday, identifies the common criteria among 4 and 5 star hotels, providing a reference point of international accommodation standards to assist destinations in establishing effective rating systems.

The report compares criteria recurrence in 30 European destinations and six destinations in other regions. Prepared jointly by UNWTO and Norwegian Accreditation (NA), it reveals that despite the existence of many types of classification systems across the globe, there are more similarities than differences, both between geographic groups and between 4 and 5 star categories.

The report also provides a general overview of the existing types of hotel classification and offers general guidance in areas to consider when setting up an official rating system.

Findings also suggest that frequent reviews of classification systems are necessary in order to keep up with rapidly evolving consumer needs, particularly with regards to technology and accessibility.

Greece revised its classification system recently focusing on hotel services and other technical requirements.

According to the new system, hotels in Greece will be ranked on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Each hotel is classified into one of the five categories if they follow the minimum standards and collect the minimum number of points required for classification.

Among other things, the decision specifies the plot plan minimum requirements for hotel construction in accordance with general and specific planning provisions.

Hotels are also required to provide rooms specially designed for guests with a disability or reduced mobility. The minimum number of rooms for guests with disabilities is set at five percent of the total capacity of the hotel.

The special seal issued through the previous classification system, automatically ceases to apply as of December 31, 2017. By this date all hotels in Greece are required to have a rating certificate in accordance with the provisions of the new decision.

Photo source: UNWTO