POINTS TO PONDER - 3 by K.Raghuraman

POINTS TO PONDER 3

By k.raghuraman

Star rating tied to safety, security at hotels Care For Physically Challenged A Must; New Norms To Come Into Effect By Sept '10 HOTELS will get star ratings only if they are hospitable for disabled persons and have adequate arrangement for safety and security of guests, said a tourism ministry statement. Until now, hotels provided these facilities on voluntary basis. All star-rated hotels across the country will have to meet the new requirements by September next year, said the statement. Hotels in India are rated between one-star and fivestar deluxe on the basis of facilities they offer to the guests. As per the new guidelines issued by the tourism ministry for star-rated hotels, they are required to verify credentials of their staff by the police. "Depending on the star-category, hotels will now have to put up metal detectors, close circuit cameras, x-ray machines and under belly scanners to screen vehicles," said a tourism ministry official. The new norms have, however, relaxed rules for food & beverages for three to fourstar hotels. "Even midmarket and lower midmarket hotels were expected to have multiple restaurants, banquet hotels and similar facilities. This has now been rationalised," said Sarovar Hotels ED Ajay Bakaya. One to four-star hotels, availing subsidy and tax benefits from the govt, will not be able to upgrade their status for a minimum of eight years. "Hotels would be permitted to apply for upgradation after the completion of the eightyear lock-in period," said the ministry statement. The government last reviewed the guidelines for hotel classification norm in 2003. It has decided to revise the guidelines due to changing requirements of travellers and ensure safety and security of guests due to growing terror threats. The new guidelines encourage hotels to adopt eco-friendly practices such as rain-water harvesting, waste management and sewage treatment plant. The set of new rules require hotels to provide Indian system of treatments such as ayurvedic and yoga.

Regards
raghu.