Display the stars: Govt asks hotels

Crowne Plaza, Kochi

Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, issues fresh guidelines with aim to streamline hotel classification, to make them simple, transparent and time-bound. Liquor shops and stores on the premises of a hotel other than bars will not be considered for classification under star hotels “with alcohol” category, to remove any ambiguity.

Besides, all hotels will now have to mandatorily display their classification status prominently at the reception and on their websites under a separate icon on the opening page, which will display the order of classification issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Unlike previously, when the payment for applications for classifications had to be done through demand drafts, such payments can now be done only online, the new guidelines stated. “This ensures eradication of the possibility of delay and manipulation caused by human interference,” says a statement from the ministry.

The new amendments have also set a time limit of three months for ensuring compliance. In each case where the required documents and procedures are fulfilled, the classification will be completed within 90 days.