Philippines revamps hotel star ratings
In a bid to portray a more globally competitive image, the Philippines’ tourism department will launch a new star ratings system for around 700 hotels and resorts in the country.
We are adopting the star rating system, which is internationally acceptable and globally used so tourists can easily understand star ratings," said Maria Rica Bueno, director of Tourism Standards and Regulations.
It will replace the old classification system used since the 1990s which rated hotels as Economy, Standard, First-Class, and Deluxe and A, AA, and AAA for resorts.
Bueno said the old rating system was confusing for travellers and the new system will adopt ‘language more understood in the travel trade.’
The new ratings are assessed on more stringent rules and audits have been carried out by a team of inspectors from the UK, Canada, Australia and the Philippines.
In December the ministry will advertise the results and assessments will be carried out every two years.
"We are raising the bar of competitiveness in the industry according to global standards," Bueno said.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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