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

IND.D.004.16 April 2004T<strong>ra</strong>vel industry – Tour Ope<strong>ra</strong>torsThe hotel classification systems devised and run by national hotel associations and/orgovernment authorities are not necessarily used by t<strong>ra</strong>vel professionals, particularlywhen <strong>the</strong>y are dealing with clients from outside <strong>the</strong> market where <strong>the</strong> accommodation isprovided. It is well known that <strong>the</strong> major Tour Ope<strong>ra</strong>tors assess prospective hotelsaccording to <strong>the</strong>ir own criteria and <strong>the</strong>n provide <strong>the</strong>ir own description in <strong>the</strong>ir promotionalmaterial.Reproduced below are very gene<strong>ra</strong>l descriptions given by some of <strong>the</strong> major tourope<strong>ra</strong>tors in <strong>the</strong> UK as to what <strong>the</strong>ir classifications mean. In this case, First Choice is <strong>the</strong>most specific.First Choice** Basic, comfortable, budget <strong>ra</strong>nged*** Standard popular accommodation. These hotels normally feature a selection of public areasincluding a restau<strong>ra</strong>nt**** Large, modern or well-established accommodation with a wide <strong>ra</strong>nge of facilities***** High standards of comfort & serviceThe company points out that “Accommodation of similar <strong>ra</strong>tings, but in different countries, cannotalways be meaningfully compared.”Thomson HolidaysThomson T <strong>ra</strong>tings are based on our annual app<strong>ra</strong>isals and customers' views taken from <strong>the</strong> endof-seasonCustomer Satisfaction Questionnaires. Hotels and apartments are <strong>ra</strong>ted from "2T" forno-frills, good value accommodation to "5T" for more comfort and a wider <strong>ra</strong>nge of facilities. To avery few of our best hotels, we award a Blue Ribbon classification. These are internationallyrenowned luxury hotels which offer an exceptional standard of comfort. There may be somedifferences between accommodation that shares <strong>the</strong> same T <strong>ra</strong>ting category. This is where our T-plus <strong>ra</strong>ting can be a useful ext<strong>ra</strong> guideAirtoursOur "A" <strong>ra</strong>tings are awarded by specially t<strong>ra</strong>ined Airtours staff, based on such criteria as <strong>the</strong> publicarea furnishings, food & drink outlets, room & leisure facilities & service. They <strong>ra</strong>nge from AA forsimple accommodation to AAAAA offering <strong>the</strong> highest quality & level of serviceThomas CookOur universal <strong>ra</strong>tings system is based on <strong>the</strong> views (at <strong>the</strong> time ofpublication) of senior managers both in <strong>the</strong> UK & overseas.As can be seen, none of <strong>the</strong>se are particularly objective, but this information at leastprovides some insight into how <strong>the</strong> tour ope<strong>ra</strong>tors go about <strong>ra</strong>ting accommodation.T<strong>ra</strong>vel Industry – Hotel GuidesThe Official Hotel Guide (OHG) – USAThis Guide is widely recognised by t<strong>ra</strong>vel agents as a comprehensive and reliable sourceof information on hotels around <strong>the</strong> world.The Official Hotel Guide (OHG) provides comprehensive, in depth profiles of 29 000 hotels andresorts worldwide. For over 38 years, t<strong>ra</strong>vel professionals have relied on its unique classificationsystem and unbiased profiles to help <strong>the</strong>m successfully match <strong>the</strong>ir clients to <strong>the</strong> right hotel. Its richcontent has made it <strong>the</strong> hotel directory that t<strong>ra</strong>vel professionals pay hundreds of dollars tosubscribe to year after year. 66 Information provided by NorthStar T<strong>ra</strong>vel Media, cf. www.northstart<strong>ra</strong>velmedia.com- 66 -