FIRST GENERAL MEETING OF THE SHTA FOR 2008
Held on WEDNESDAY 13TH FEBRUARY 2008, 1 PM
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE
Mrs. Maryse Eichler, Former CEO ‘Seychelles Hotels’
& Member of the Accommodation and Catering Board
Ladies an Gentlemen,
I am honored to have the opportunity to address you to-day on the present controversial topic of HOTEL CLASSIFICATION. Thank you Mr. St Ange for having remembered that for 3 decades, I was highly involved in the tourism field, namely in tourism & hotel training, in tourism product development and in hotel management.
Attempts to deal with HOTEL CLASSIFICATION date back to the late 80’s. Then, in 1985, I was mandated to look into this possibility and, consequently, following consultation with the hoteliers, prepared a comprehensive set of both physical and operational criteria. These were to reflect both internationally recognized norms as well as the specificities of the
To address the above, I created, within my department, a section to advise, train and assist Seychellois hoteliers to up-grade their establishments. Unfortunately, when I left the Ministry in 1988, this facility was promptly withdrawn.
In 1991, the Ministry of Tourism commissioned “La Chambre de Commerce de Paris” to advise, set up and implement CLASSIFICATION – a very costly exercise – lots of paper work and precious time and money wasted - no classification in the end.
Eleven years ago 1996/1997 a new attempt was made – but to no avail.
Now 2008, STB comes up with the CLASSIFICATION idea. I understand that the hoteliers have not been consulted on the opportunism of this statutory CLASSIFICATION and are faced to-day with “un fait accompli”.
As far as I know, countries where classification exists, hotels and relevant tourism bodies sit together to discuss the several issues pertaining to the tourism sector, including the conditions & criteria for classifying the hotels and how these can be met.
I have attentively read STB’s “PROPOSAL TO SET UP A NATIONAL HARMONISED STANDARD FOR ACCOMMODATION & CATERING ENTERPRISES”
Let me, step by step, take up their arguments/justification to illustrate that the proposed exercise is not welcomed at this point in time.
A -The 2 issues, STB says it wishes to address by the implementation of the CLASSIFICATION in view of redressing the current situation, are:-
1.“To establish the minimum requirements by which all establishments have to abide to be licensable.”
2.“The adoption of classification criteria for the grading of those hotels wishing to offer a product and service of higher internationally recognized standards.”
Doesn’t STB already apply and work around minimum requirements when it monitors, inspects and recommends the issuance of, the renewal or non renewal of, the suspension of and/or the withdrawal of licenses leading to closures? Where and what is the issue then?
Are or are not the hotels now offering a product and service of high international, recognized standards? Foreign-owned hotels seem to be thriving in our country. Can we boast that all our Seychellois smaller establishments are given the same opportunities/incentives to achieve similar results? The latter, if not able to achieve the so-called “recognized minimum requirements” may find themselves left out or out of business. CLASSIFICATION is not the solution. Being fair and equitable towards all is the recommended approach.
Has STB consulted INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION – IH&RA for some advice on how to go about, in a professional and conversant manner?
B – I refer now to the chapter PROBLEMATIC as expressed by the STB’s above mentioned PROPOSAL.
1.STB’s set of present criteria, being not legally constituted, can be challenged in court by an operator, says STB. Why should an operator be denied of his/her right to challenge what he/she considers an unfair decision?
2. “Self grading or tour operator grading is interest driven,” says STB. Not necessarily. Self assessment is common in various countries, such as
3. “Because the nature of accommodation on offer is diverse, the one- size- it all set of criteria limits marketing scope and leaves potential clients with the impression that we have primarily 5 star resorts,” minds STB. Besides the private sector, isn’t STB the body responsible of marketing the product
C- The PROPOSAL explains “what do the harmonized standards promise? “
1.“The prescribed standards will be a legal requirement for accommodation service providers as provided for under section 19 of the STB Act. It will ensure compliance and provide the benchmark for those wishing to operate or upgrade.” Is this not at the moment statutory? I believe these prescribed standards are the benchmark presently used.
2.“The CLASSIFICATION of hotels within the grading of 1 to 5 star will be compulsory and the respective grading advertised on the hotel accordingly, it will eliminate false advertising and counter the lack of value for money perception”. In countries I know, classification is on a voluntary basis e.g.
3. “A re-categorisation of accommodation businesses as Hotels,
4. The “guidance for operators and new applications” is a lame argument after all.
D- The fees & Penalties (Fines up to Rs 100,000)
1. Why should hotels be made to pay an inspection/monitoring fee to the STB for the latter’s involvement in hotel inspections and monitoring visits? The task of inspection/monitoring is incumbent on STB as a regulatory body.
2. Fines of up to Rs 100,000.00. It is to be wondered where this idea has originated from? Which criteria will the CLASSIFICATION COMMITTEE work on to decide on the amount to be imposed in relation to the gravity of the infraction? We are, as we say in French “sur des sables mouvants”.
Since we quote the Middle East, STB could have checked the position adopted by
E- I need not comment on the chapter entitled “JUSTIFICATION – Why do we need a harmonized Standards”.
F- As for the “CONCLUSION” let me say the following:
1. If STB, in drafting these standards and criteria, has taken from the best practices and models of different countries and adapted the international concepts to suit specificities of Seychelles, I am sorely disappointed with the inadequacy and poor contents of the document. I shall come back to this later.
2. Training in
3. “The different criteria have been circulated to the trade through the Seychelles Tourism Association and they are “au fait” with our intentions” My comment/question on the above: is being made “au fait” with something – as mentioned in the PROPOSAL - mean that one is in agreement with what is proposed?
I can but assume that the countries, whose classification systems STB used as basis for drafting their criteria, have little in common with
Island destinations, in the Indian Ocean, in the Caribbean, etc. which as a destination could be comparable to Seychelles do not, in their majority, have formal classification albeit some of them have very high standards and luxury hotels. Our nearest neighbour
Now we also see hotels claiming a 6 star rating. The Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast in
We also see the Burj Al Arab claiming itself as the world’s only 7 star. China, Iran, Pakistan, Manilla and the Philippines have the same stance.
I am not, in principle, opposed to classification. However, the PROPOSAL, as it stands to-day, is definitely neither adequate nor timely.
After acquainting myself with the above PROPOSAL, I was keen to attentively read the
CRITERIA FOR CLASSIFICATION OF HOTELS & ISLAND RESORTS
I am disappointed with the content - little in substance and strewn with flaws and discrepancies. As hoteliers you know what I am talking about. So let me just call your attention on 2 or 3 points.
• The criteria are solely physical. Where are the operational criteria? Both are required to be assessed when a CLASSIFICATION exercise is undertaken.
• They bring out minimum requirements for the 1 star and in most instances qualify, by means of some superlatives, the requirements of the other stars. There are examples galore I will not waste your time on. You hold the paper.
• To illustrate what I have termed as discrepancy. It is under 8.9 Beds and mattresses: Queen Size beds should measure 1.52 m by 2.1 m and not 1.50m by 2 m and King Size beds should measure 1.83 m by 2.1 m not 2m by 2m? I feel bad to bring this detail, but this is only to illustrate the lack of seriousness and/or knowledge in the drafting of the criteria.
I was glad however to find that the language question is well addressed. Finally it is accepted that Managers, in the 1 and 2 star category, should be conversant with Creole, English and French plus have a working knowledge of other internationally recognized languages, whilst for the 3 star establishments, the Manager, Assistant Manager and Guest Contact staff should have working knowledge of at least one of the widely recognized international languages in addition to English and French. As for the 4 and 5 star category, they should be able to speak at least one of the recognized international languages, in addition to English and French. I would have also stipulated that the international languages mentioned would have been preferably Italian and German.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have come to the end of my presentation, I have done my best to bring to all concerned, my honest, objective and constructive comments and, as and where necessary, criticisms. I hope all concerned do take it in the spirit it is meant. I believe that CLASSIFICATION is a valid exercise. However, there are other parameters, in certain instances, which need to be addressed and situations remedied before the country embarks on this exercise.