The French hotel classification, which currently ranges from one to five stars, will be modernized and adapted to changes in the sector to include the growing supply of “shared hostels” and efforts to add value to sustainable development, said Atout France, a government agency to promote tourism in France.
As a result of “partnership work” in recent months between Atout France, which is promoting the French tour sector abroad, and the professional organizations of the hotel and restaurant business (GNI, Umih, GNC) have been taken “measures regarding the change of classification” of hotels. “This measure is seen as part of a plan to revive tourism,” said Guillaume Lemière, director of legal and regulatory affairs at Atout France.
The verdict is coming soon
This plan will be announced soon. The hotel classification will be “modernized, adapted to supply innovations and changes in the sector,” and “expected to take effect from 1 April 2022,” said Guillaume Lemierre.
Thus, the criteria for sustainable development, digitalization of a number of services (online “check-in” …) or new uses of hotels (“residence”, “work-office” …) must now be taken into account. Also, seasonal rentals will be classified “for the sake of fairness” in relation to hotels, said J. Lemierre. He promised that the new criteria for sustainable development and environmental friendliness will be “achievable and affordable”.
In addition, new trends observed in the development of hotel projects should be integrated into a new classification system, for example, the combined use of services and facilities, such as a pool, spa or restaurant, between two nearby hotels should be taken into account.
As for the innovative and rapidly growing offer of “collective hostels”, frequented by a young clientele, it should be the subject of a “new classification”, explained the manager of Atout France.
Today, “87% of hotel rooms in France are classified” – this is a voluntary process, as hoteliers can opt out of classification, – reminded Lemierre, classification “remains a tool for determining the level of comfort, equipment of the hotel and the services offered” – said the manager, – but the classification system needs to be modernized and adapted to current developments and demands in the hospitality industry.