the joint wto & ih&ra; study on hotel classification - Hotel Designs

IND.D.004.16 April 2004Applicability of classification in <strong>the</strong> countriesIn 46 countries it is mandatory for all establishments to have a classification to ope<strong>ra</strong>te.In 55 countries it is necessary to obtain a licence / permission / regist<strong>ra</strong>tion to ope<strong>ra</strong>teIn 32 countries establishments can ope<strong>ra</strong>te without being classifiedN.B. According to <strong>the</strong> private sector only two countries oblige establishments to becomemembers of a national association to obtain a licence to ope<strong>ra</strong>te.Methods of verificationIn gene<strong>ra</strong>l verification of establishments is undertaken between every one to five yearsand in some countries more irregularly.Plans to revise existing system or introduce new oneCf question 15 (private sector) and question 8 (public sector)Questions appearing only in <strong>the</strong> private sector questionnaireQ.11.Who finances <strong>the</strong> system?11 countries: individual establishments3 countries: national hotel associations9 countries: government1 country: shared between national association & governmentQ.12. What are <strong>the</strong> main criteria?As this was an open question, replies vary conside<strong>ra</strong>bly listing a <strong>ra</strong>nge of objective(quantitative) and subjective (qualitative) criteria.Q.14 Satisfaction with existing systemOf <strong>the</strong> respondents who replied to this question:16 countries are satisfied with <strong>the</strong> existing system in <strong>the</strong>ir country4 countries are not satisfied with <strong>the</strong> existing system in <strong>the</strong>ir country5 countries would like improvements to <strong>the</strong> existing system- 61 -