DOT to launch star ratings system for PHL hotels and restaurants

The Department of Tourism will use star ratings as a new system of assessing hotels and restaurants in the country in line with leading and globally-recognized accrediting systems. 

 

In an emailed statement on Monday, the agency said the new system will be launched before the year is out and will replace the current classification system of Economy, Standard, First-Class and Deluxe for hotels and A, AA, and AAA for resorts.

 

The new set of accommodation standards is composed of five levels, ranging from one to five stars, and is a point system that will be based on availability of facilities and services, condition and quality of a specific facility, and quality of service.

 

Gaining 251 to 400 points will be equivalent to one star or fair and acceptable, 401 to 550 points to two star or good, 551 to 700 points to three star or very good, 701 to 850 points to four star or excellent, and 851 to 1,000 points to five star or outstanding.

 

“In order to deliver on the promise that it is truly more fun in the Philippines, there is a need to establish a credible and objective rating system that will provide an official seal of quality for accommodation in the Philippines,” Tourism Undersecretary Maria Victoria V. Jasmin said.

 

Jasmin noted the star-rating will be used as part of the Philippine strategy for marketing in tourism.

 

The department will conduct an assessment every two years to be performed by DOT area officers and independent third party auditors.

 

Hotels and resorts will be assessed according to business areas that are common to all types such as arrival and departure, food and beverage, and amenities.

 

According to DOT, the new standards underwent a detailed review earlier this year by a team of International Assessors under the Improving Competitiveness in Tourism Project which was funded by the government of Canada and administered by the Asian Development Bank. – Kathryn Mae P. Tubadeza/VS, GMA News