Local hotels and resorts will be soon be rated with an internationally accepted and globally used star-rating system, in a bid to improve the competitiveness of the local tourism industry.
This was announced by DOT Office Tourism Standards and Regulations director Maria Rica Bueno in an interview with Philippine Daily Inquirer.
The new rating system will replace the old one, in use since 1990, which categorized the facilities as Economy, Standard, First Class, and De Luxe for hotels and A, AA, and AAA , a classification not readily understood in the travel trade and has resulted in confusion among tourists.
The new rating system is expected to boost promotion of the Philippines as a tourist destination as it aspires to reach its 10-million target in terms of tourist arrivals annually beginning 2016.
With the new system, the facilities will be graded through a point system, with 1000 points as the maximum.
Those getting 251 to 400 points will be rated as one-star. These are usually facilities that appeal to travelers on a budget and which have limited services and amenities.
Those rated from 401 to 550 points will receive two stars, usually appealing to visitors seeking more than basic accommodations.
To earn three to four stars, a hotel or resort must achieve 551 to 700 points, respectively, as they offer a higher degree of hospitality and service.
Five stars will be awarded those earning 851 to 1000 points. These are world-class facilities offering meticulous service.
According to Bueno, 693 hotels and resorts were visited and assessed by a team of international assessors from the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia and a pool of local third-party auditors from December 2013 until mid this year.
The DOT will announce the new ratings for hotels and resorts by the first week of December. Prior to publication, however, the management of the facilities will be notified and will be entitled to appeal the ratings.
The assessment will be held every two years and will be a requirement for hotels and resortsto get accredited with the DOT.
Photo: From yellowpages.com.au
