Hotel stars in all their glory

This is it, the hotel and tourism world has taken a great leap forward! ?

Yes, the hotel classification now takes the digitalisation of services into account: paperless check-in, internet access in every room and plenty more besides.

What are the new criteria?

Let's start by looking at the new criteria that will earn you those famous stars from Atout France, the tourism development agency in France. Make a note of 1 April:

• The widespread use of the QR codeto give access to the property's welcome book
• Paperlesscheck-in
• Wifiaccess
• A minimum offer of3 food products sourced locallywhere the establishment provides a catering service

• The use ofenvironmentally friendly cleaning products
• The obligation to inform guests about sustainable transport options near the holiday destination
• Staff trainingon the 3 major resource-saving topics

How does the assessment work?

To set off on your road to the stars, you need to submit a request for assessment to Atout France. Inspectors will then visit your hotel to check your facilities.For information, the inspection is carried out by COFRAC (the French Accreditation Committee), an accredited body and maker of stars.

For hotels rated 1 to 3 stars, there's no suspense! They are told in advance about the inspectors' visit. ;)

For 4 and 5 star hotels, it's trickier, because they have no idea when the inspectors will turn up posing as ordinary guests.

And bear in mind that stars have to be reassessed every 5 years, to check they are still deserved. As we said above, it's up to you, the hotelier, to apply, otherwise you will sadly lose those precious stars...

Certification labels

As you probably know, certification labels are an integral part of the new criteria. A mark of quality to raise awareness among your guests or to reassure them.

We're going to focus on two labels: the EU Ecolabel and the Tourisme & Handicap label.

As far as the EU Ecolabel is concerned, you need to put certain environmental measures in place to obtain it. ??

For example:

• Limitingenergy and water consumption
• Reducingwaste production
• Usingrenewable resources
• Raising guest awareness about protecting the environment.

For the Tourisme & Handicap label, you need to offer a welcome and services suited to the needs of people with disabilities.

Of course, you can use an online service to search for an establishment certified under Tourisme et Handicap.All that's left is to put these new criteria in place so that your stars match the standard of your establishment! ?