London hotels urged to raise minimum standards
An initiative has been unveiled to improve the quality of London’s hotels in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.
The London Development Agency wants to ensure more properties in the capital receive quality assessment ratings.
The programme will provide ungraded hotels with free one-to-one tailored advice, workshops, and self help guides as part of a wider £1.65 million tourism business support package for London.
With only a third of London’s hotels having a recognised ‘star rating’ from either the AA or VisitBritain, the LDA wants to see at least half graded in these schemes by 2010.
The LDA will subsidise the cost of new quality assessments for each hotel by £400 over the next three years.
Hoteliers will be able to discuss with advisors anything from customer service, marketing and contingency planning, to going green and providing access for the disabled, according to the agency.
LDA chair Mary Reilly said: “Often, the lasting impression we get from our holidays can be from the accommodation we stay in, and the people we meet.
“With London 2012 fast approaching, it’s vital that visitors know the standard of the hotel they’re booking.
“If we can get the majority graded over the next few years, and raise the minimum standards of London’s accommodation, then we can be sure our visitors will receive a world class welcome.”
The programme is supported by Visit London, which receives funding from the LDA to promote the capital.
Deputy chief executive Sally Chatterjee said: “We welcome the LDA’s business support programme to help accommodation providers in the capital attain quality endorsement.
“Star ratings provide businesses with a stamp of approval as well as a competitive edge. As we gear up to London 2012, it is important that our accommodation provides visitors with a high quality, value for money experience.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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