Meagan Drillinger
According to Mexico's Ministry of Tourism, Sectur, Mexico's hotel industry is set to launch a system of hotel ratings, an effort seven years in the making.
Currently, the local hotels assign themselves stars as they see fit, without a level of standards or approval systems. But all is about to change as a series of guidelines has been put forth to help better determine the quality and classifications of hotels. According to Sectur estimates, there are approximately 700,000 hotels in operation in Mexico, and the aim of the new hotel ranking is to maintain the same standards throughout the country.
"The hotel industry classification system will allow lodging establishments to understand and know the status of their facilities and services, as well as identify areas of opportunity. The system is done through a self-evaluation mechanism, which is then regulated by the Ministry of Tourism," said a Sectur representative.
The total score will be equality to its corresponding category. Zero to 260 points equals a 1 Star category, while 261-520 is 2 Star; 521 to 780 equals 3 Star; 781-1040 is 4 Star; and 1041-1300 is 5 Star.
The system was inspired by the study titled "Analysis of best practices and the development of a methodology for hotel classification in Mexico," which was created by Sectur in collaboration with the National Council of Science and Technology, the Institure of Tourism Competitiveness, as well as hotel associations and interest groups. The study used information and took into account the best practices that were conducted through system classification methods from the 10 largest economies, based on tourist revenue and number of visitors, namely Germany, Brazil, Canada, China, Spain, U.S., France, England, Italy and Turkey.
"As a result," said Sectur, "the hotel classification system was strengthened in key areas for opportunity and growth, which were identified by implementing 178 pilot tests in 13 federal entities."
The agreement guidelines for the Hotel Classification System came into effect in September, and the agreement allows lodging tourism service providers one year to comply with the self-evaluation. Tourism service providers must be registered in order to process a self-evaluation in the Hotel Classification System. The self-assessment consists of 49 questions that are grouped into eight performance categories, which recognize 16 types of lodging. Performance categories include accessibility, exterior and overall; communication; bedroom and bathroom; food and beverages; lobby; temperature control; services; and public areas.
The Secretary of Tourism and the Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior have also designed the program, "Improve Your Hotel," which works as an incentive to tourism service providers to adapt the hotel classification system.