What are the benefits of grading and classifying hotels?

Hotel grading and classification determine both the standard of the hotel offering that is available at a destication and the ability to purchase hotel accommodation that meets that expectation on time. The grading and classfication of hotels inform consumers on how to recognise quality, differentiate all levels of facilities and serverices and offers greater transparency - vital requirements for both business and leisure tourists.

By Olukayode Kolawole

9 Nov 2016

What are the benefits of grading and classifying hotels?

©George Tsartsianidis via 123RF

Amongst other things, it is beneficial to the tourists, the hotels and the tourism industry. Let’s take a look at the benefits for each category:

Benefits to tourists

• It provides assurance to both the local and the international tourists that an establishment has been assessed and approved by an independent third party
• It gives a reliable indication of expected services and offerings
• It helps consumers to find hotels of a standard they require

Benefits to hotels

• It allows for the design and target of training activities
• It demonstrates commitment to quality
• It’s an important marketing tool in both local and international economies
• Independent assessment of offered services
• Key business differentiator as the quality of service offered is a determinant of consumer choice

Benefits to tourism industry

• Allows for standard to be put in place
• Assists travel agents to understand the product and match supply and demand
• It encourages competition amongst establishments
• It leads to overall improved service and reliability within the industry
• It allows for monitoring of hotel inventory and accommodation standards

About the author

Olukayode Kolawole, Head of PR & Marketing, Jumia Travel Nigeria