Seychelles Tourism is engaging its partners in adopting a grading system for the country’s tourism industry from September.
The national classification programme, in the works since 2016, aims to raise industry standards and professionalism while improving the destination’s market value.
The programme features a well-established grading system that will inform guests about accommodation standards and what to expect from the product offering prior to making a purchase.
Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for Tourism, announced the national classification programme during a press briefing at the end of last month.
The regulations are undergoing final amendments and at this point, there is no fixed date for their publication.
Francis stated that the national classification programme would feature two categories and the grade would be valid for two years from the date of issuing unless cancelled by the department.
The first category is the Star Grading, which applies to hotels of 15 rooms and more, as well as resorts of all sizes.
This programme is mandatory for hotels of 51 rooms and more, while it remains voluntary for hotels of 15-50 rooms.
The second category is the Seychelles Secrets brand, for hotels of 15 rooms or less, as well as self-catering premises and guest houses of all sizes.
There will be three levels for the Seychelles Secrets brand, based on the facilities and services.
Establishments will be classed as Seychelles Secrets Gold, Seychelles Secrets Silver, or Seychelles Secrets Bronze.
Each establishment will receive a plaque displaying the rating, as well as an official letter.
During the two-year term, the Tourism Department will conduct monitoring visits to ensure that standards are maintained. Regrading will be subject to a formal assessment prior to the expiry of the certification.
Establishments will be notified if their standards decline and a grace period will be granted to correct deficiencies. The department may suspend or cancel an award if the establishment no longer meets the qualifying standards of the grading system.
