To better manage the expectation of visitors and achieve a greater degree of standardisation and professionalism within Seychelles' tourism industry, the Department of Tourism aims to adopt a standardised grading system for establishments.
The tourism principal secretary, Sherin Francis, told
reporters that it is important for tourists to be able to learn about each
establishment's standard before making a purchase, allowing them to know what
to expect thanks to an established grading system.
She pointed out that it is critical to recognise that the
grade of facilities and services available influences a visitor's choice of
destination.
"The national grading system establishes standard
levels across the board. To be issued a license, the authorities look at the
minimum physical standards - the amenities, the size of the establishment and
so forth. However, the aesthetic, and services provided are not necessarily
looked at under licenses. If you want to increase the standard of services in a
destination these parts are important to be looked at," said Francis.
The grading system will consist of two programmes - the Star
Rating System and the Seychelles Secrets programme - and will better showcase
the product diversity, and allow establishments to better market and sell their
products.
Establishments with 51 rooms or more will automatically fall
under the Star Rating System and will be provided with a star rating between
three to five stars. There are 21 hotels that fall under this category and their
participation in this grading programme is compulsory. It is optional for
establishments with 50 rooms or less to partake in this grading programme.
The Seychelles Secret programme is geared towards smaller
establishments like self-catering establishments, guesthouses and small hotels.
Here establishments will receive one of three grades - Bronze, Silver, and
Gold, following the assessment.
A set of criteria against for evaluation has been developed
by the Department of Tourism and comprises physical, comfort, service,
universal accessibility and sustainability assessment areas.
Currently, there are over 730 tourism establishments in the
country, 75 percent of which are self-catering.
The Department of Tourism will commence this process with a
sensitisation programme with the establishment owners, where the purpose and
benefits of the grading system will be detailed.
In September, the department will start assessing
establishments. The full roll-out of the programme is anticipated to take place
about a year from this month.
"It is important that we can assess all mandatory and
voluntary establishments before we publish their ratings. We want the ratings
to be published at the same time to ensure no participating establishment is
placed at a disadvantage," said Francis.
In May this year, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the
Tourism Development Standards Regulations. Once the regulations come into force
and the tourism department launches the grading programme officially, the
establishment will no longer be able to publish any other rating system
currently being used unless it is one provided by the department.
Once graded, establishments will be issued a plaque, with
the grading, which they will be able to showcase in a visible area of the
establishment.
The director for product development, Sinha Levkovic,
outlined that "once an establishment is graded, the grading will be valid
for 2 years."
She added that "normal routine visits will continue and
we will look to see if the standard is being maintained, but the formal
reassessment will take place close to the end of the two years."