New hotel classification system launched in Jordan

In a recent study done by Arabian Travel,“a positive increase in overnight stays for 2009 despite the global economic downturn working against its favour”,has been reported.

Another report stated that although Jordan is controlling its growth as it remains very much a “niche destination”,there is new tourism infrastructure planned.

It said over the next five years the country’s total room count will hit 30,000 compared to 23,000 at present,while Amman’s new international airport will open in 2011 taking capacity from around five to nine million passengers.

“This is an exciting time for Jordan’s hotels; the new classification system will be implemented in partnership with the private sector and will help significantly raise the bar at hotels across Jordan,” said Maha Khatib,Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. She added,“This is key to improving Jordan’s competitive image as a tourism destination as accommodation is a vital part of the visitor experience.”

“For 2010,the JTB would continue to grow its source market base and look to alternative or emerging markets such as Scandinavia,India and South America”,said Mr. Nayef Al Fayez,Managing Director,Jordan Tourism Board.

“We will also continue to concentrate on the Arab market … It makes sense because it accounts for more than 50% of our overnight arrivals,” he added

“Today tourists expect more and advancements in technology are setting new standards for tourism products,” said Mr. Jay Knott,USAID Jordan Mission Director. “This new hotel classification system will ensure that Jordan can compete on an international level and that the tourism experience meets and even exceeds visitor expectations.”

The new classification system focuses on services rather than facilities. It is split into basic standards,which are mandatory and optional standards. Hotels must meet all basic standards within their star category in order to ensure the basic needs of their guests regarding safety,hygiene and comfort. The optional standards use a points system whereby hotels must obtain a minimum number of points to get the definite star classification. The optional standards allow hotels to customize their service based on their target market. For example,a business hotel can accumulate the points they need by providing high-speed internet connections,secretarial services,and a business center,while a leisure hotel can accumulate the same number of points by offering spa facilities,a swimming pool,tennis court,etc.

A unique feature of the pioneering new system is that is it fully automated through an integrated ICT system that will give MoTA,classification assessors,hotel operators and guests easy access to comprehensive information about hotels and their classification as well as facilitating a faster,more efficient and effective classification process.

The new classification standards will be applied at all existing hotel establishments in Jordan starting February 2010. Assessors from MoTA,JHA and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) have been undergoing intensive training over the past few months to learn about the new standards and how they are used,as well as how to use the automated inspection system that has been developed for the new classification system. During today’s event,10 assessors who successfully completed the training,were certified and are ready to begin working their ways through Jordan’s hotels over the year.