INTRODUCTION
Mauritius, a tropical island, reflects a destination animated with colour, fragrance and culture which are
appreciated by many tourists. Moreover the colonial history of Mauritius is related to France and United
Kingdom in a very special way. This can be an effective way in attracting tourists who are keen and eager to
discover the island’s background in our interesting museums, historical and cultural places. Furthermore
Mauritius offers a paradise for the wealthy, golfers and for the honeymooners who would like a romantic
atmosphere. The island has in its assets a scenic natural view from its beautiful mountain peaks to the calm
lagoons to the lush, green gardens. Travellers who are born nature lovers will be fond of Mauritius. The island
is becoming more and more the trendy place to be for relaxation. Many have heard and cannot wait to visit and
experience what the coastlines and the natural interiors of Mauritius have to offer. According to Mauritian
authorities, the country had welcomed about a million visitors in 2011 and campaigns have been made for more
tourists in 2012. The primary concern of the analysts of the country’s tourism industry was the availability of
facilities to sustain the expected increasing numbers of tourists. However the government has looked further as
Mr. Michael Sik Yuen, Mauritius’ Minister for Tourism announced that a set of standards will be put forward to
categorize and grade lodging and accommodations provided around the island. Mauritius has many and all
kinds of accommodation amenities such as exclusive guest houses, bed & breakfast, boarding inn, beach
bungalows, self-catering beach bungalows and apartments to the smallest studios. This grading system like the
Michelin guide and the Zagat survey, developed especially for Mauritian facilities will encourage every resort,
hotel and inn to continuously enhance their service quality. The method of classification was developed by the
Mauritian Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) in collaboration with consultants around the world as well as
with local investors.
1
,DEFINITION OF CLASSIFICATION OF HOTELS
Classification and grading is the types of accommodation which fall into different categories based on their
physical facilities and service quality provided. As hotels provide a wide range of amenities, these are often
classified into five, six or sometimes seven categories. Other types of service accommodation such as guest
houses have a more limited range of facilities and may, therefore, have fewer categories; commonly two or
three (Callan, 1994,p.1). According to Ottenbacher’s, ‘hospitality operates according to the different customer
segments that they target and serve. For example, hotels are categorised from one star/diamond to five
stars/diamonds and food service is usually classified by commercially developed guides for consumers such as
Michelin or Gault Millau’. The classification of hotels is a great marketing strategy for destinations as the brand
image of hotels and resorts play an important role in promoting the country. Many destinations have became
famous because of their worldwide renowned hotels and resorts. According to the Ministry of Tourism and
Leisure, Mauritius officially did not have any ‘Star’ classification for its hotels or ‘Etoile Michelin’ for its
restaurants. Hotels’ star ratings are indicated as a general guide. Star ratings may vary due to the country where
the hotel is situated and are not necessarily the official local rating. Standards can differ from one hotel or
accommodation to another one of the same class in the country. In Mauritius hoteliers have a tendency to
attribute themselves the classification of their hotels according to the service quality they provide and what their
competitors are offering. However in Seychelles, it is not done the same way and they have their own proper
classification system of hotels. According to the ‘Tourism Development Vision 2010’ each licensed
establishment would undertake an initial inspection, and would be graded appropriately according to the agreed
criteria. Thereafter, yearly inspections would be made to ensure that standards are followed or not.
WHY IS A HOTEL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM NECESSARY?
It was initially done by the MTPA (Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority) to correct any confusion or
misunderstanding that may spoil the island’s image. It was also made to establish a fair and proper rating of
hotels as some managers or owners attributed their own classification. The MTPA’s objective is to market
tourism in Mauritius. The classification system is based on the views of 150 tour-operators and it thrives for the
enhancement of the establishments' quality and a better transparency: as a result the customers will be fully
satisfied since their expectations are met. Obviously this will attract more and more clients. The hotels list and
the categories were posted in 2012 by the MTPA, which also put emphasis on the eligibility criteria, according
to international standards such as the class, the meal and welcome quality, as well as the leisure activities
provided.
2
, SYSTEM FOR GRADING MAURITIUS HOTELS TO BE IMPLEMENTED
Though they mentioned that the developed classification system of hotels has been made official, not everyone
believes in its full effectiveness. It has been noted that there has been no evidence or information concerning
any kind of partnership with experts from the Seychelles Islands or any of the other tourist destinations along
the Indian Ocean. This rises as a matter for some who are watching news constantly on this concern because the
standards put in place may not be in par with the common standards of Mauritius’ Neighbours. Not to mention
that there will be some who will compare tourist facilities situated in different areas around the Indian Ocean,
and in East Africa. Some are afraid that the system's rating may not be enough strict or may be too severe, and
that the MTPA has risked too much of its credibility as the definite authority in keeping top service for tourists
in Mauritius. Incidentally, representatives from the Regional Tourism Organization of Southern Africa
(RETOSA) have conducted an assembly in Mauritius' capital of Port Louis. In this meeting there were the
ministers of tourism who form part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). After the
meeting done, still some are thinking and questioning themselves, has the MTPA at least seized the chance to
take advices by those from the SADC who are more experienced in the issue? Has the MTPA really observed
attentively what those from the SADC have been doing for their own countries, or did they just go for
something completely new.
THE FOREIGN EXPERTISE HAS BEEN SOUGHT FOR THE NEW CLASSIFICATION OF HOTELS
ON THE ISLAND
At the start of the year 2012, the new project of classification of hotels launched is at the heart of discussions.
To form part of this grading system, hotels must satisfy the criteria previously stated for the level of standard of
the rooms, served meals, hosting, maintenance, security and the proposed leisure. These conditions were set
down by four technical committees that worked together in the project since February 2012. This new
classification has the objective to enhance the quality of the hotel structures and buildings and the services
offered to tourists all the year round. Moreover a working group under the auspices of the Ministry of tourism in
permanent contact with hotel operators has been formed to look after the success of the project. In order to
finish and implement the new classification of hotels in Mauritius, the authorities concerned called for foreign
expertise in the last step of the rating system and evaluation to rank the several hotels in Mauritius, as the
newspaper Le Matinal mentioned.
3
Mauritius, a tropical island, reflects a destination animated with colour, fragrance and culture which are
appreciated by many tourists. Moreover the colonial history of Mauritius is related to France and United
Kingdom in a very special way. This can be an effective way in attracting tourists who are keen and eager to
discover the island’s background in our interesting museums, historical and cultural places. Furthermore
Mauritius offers a paradise for the wealthy, golfers and for the honeymooners who would like a romantic
atmosphere. The island has in its assets a scenic natural view from its beautiful mountain peaks to the calm
lagoons to the lush, green gardens. Travellers who are born nature lovers will be fond of Mauritius. The island
is becoming more and more the trendy place to be for relaxation. Many have heard and cannot wait to visit and
experience what the coastlines and the natural interiors of Mauritius have to offer. According to Mauritian
authorities, the country had welcomed about a million visitors in 2011 and campaigns have been made for more
tourists in 2012. The primary concern of the analysts of the country’s tourism industry was the availability of
facilities to sustain the expected increasing numbers of tourists. However the government has looked further as
Mr. Michael Sik Yuen, Mauritius’ Minister for Tourism announced that a set of standards will be put forward to
categorize and grade lodging and accommodations provided around the island. Mauritius has many and all
kinds of accommodation amenities such as exclusive guest houses, bed & breakfast, boarding inn, beach
bungalows, self-catering beach bungalows and apartments to the smallest studios. This grading system like the
Michelin guide and the Zagat survey, developed especially for Mauritian facilities will encourage every resort,
hotel and inn to continuously enhance their service quality. The method of classification was developed by the
Mauritian Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) in collaboration with consultants around the world as well as
with local investors.
1
,DEFINITION OF CLASSIFICATION OF HOTELS
Classification and grading is the types of accommodation which fall into different categories based on their
physical facilities and service quality provided. As hotels provide a wide range of amenities, these are often
classified into five, six or sometimes seven categories. Other types of service accommodation such as guest
houses have a more limited range of facilities and may, therefore, have fewer categories; commonly two or
three (Callan, 1994,p.1). According to Ottenbacher’s, ‘hospitality operates according to the different customer
segments that they target and serve. For example, hotels are categorised from one star/diamond to five
stars/diamonds and food service is usually classified by commercially developed guides for consumers such as
Michelin or Gault Millau’. The classification of hotels is a great marketing strategy for destinations as the brand
image of hotels and resorts play an important role in promoting the country. Many destinations have became
famous because of their worldwide renowned hotels and resorts. According to the Ministry of Tourism and
Leisure, Mauritius officially did not have any ‘Star’ classification for its hotels or ‘Etoile Michelin’ for its
restaurants. Hotels’ star ratings are indicated as a general guide. Star ratings may vary due to the country where
the hotel is situated and are not necessarily the official local rating. Standards can differ from one hotel or
accommodation to another one of the same class in the country. In Mauritius hoteliers have a tendency to
attribute themselves the classification of their hotels according to the service quality they provide and what their
competitors are offering. However in Seychelles, it is not done the same way and they have their own proper
classification system of hotels. According to the ‘Tourism Development Vision 2010’ each licensed
establishment would undertake an initial inspection, and would be graded appropriately according to the agreed
criteria. Thereafter, yearly inspections would be made to ensure that standards are followed or not.
WHY IS A HOTEL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM NECESSARY?
It was initially done by the MTPA (Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority) to correct any confusion or
misunderstanding that may spoil the island’s image. It was also made to establish a fair and proper rating of
hotels as some managers or owners attributed their own classification. The MTPA’s objective is to market
tourism in Mauritius. The classification system is based on the views of 150 tour-operators and it thrives for the
enhancement of the establishments' quality and a better transparency: as a result the customers will be fully
satisfied since their expectations are met. Obviously this will attract more and more clients. The hotels list and
the categories were posted in 2012 by the MTPA, which also put emphasis on the eligibility criteria, according
to international standards such as the class, the meal and welcome quality, as well as the leisure activities
provided.
2
, SYSTEM FOR GRADING MAURITIUS HOTELS TO BE IMPLEMENTED
Though they mentioned that the developed classification system of hotels has been made official, not everyone
believes in its full effectiveness. It has been noted that there has been no evidence or information concerning
any kind of partnership with experts from the Seychelles Islands or any of the other tourist destinations along
the Indian Ocean. This rises as a matter for some who are watching news constantly on this concern because the
standards put in place may not be in par with the common standards of Mauritius’ Neighbours. Not to mention
that there will be some who will compare tourist facilities situated in different areas around the Indian Ocean,
and in East Africa. Some are afraid that the system's rating may not be enough strict or may be too severe, and
that the MTPA has risked too much of its credibility as the definite authority in keeping top service for tourists
in Mauritius. Incidentally, representatives from the Regional Tourism Organization of Southern Africa
(RETOSA) have conducted an assembly in Mauritius' capital of Port Louis. In this meeting there were the
ministers of tourism who form part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). After the
meeting done, still some are thinking and questioning themselves, has the MTPA at least seized the chance to
take advices by those from the SADC who are more experienced in the issue? Has the MTPA really observed
attentively what those from the SADC have been doing for their own countries, or did they just go for
something completely new.
THE FOREIGN EXPERTISE HAS BEEN SOUGHT FOR THE NEW CLASSIFICATION OF HOTELS
ON THE ISLAND
At the start of the year 2012, the new project of classification of hotels launched is at the heart of discussions.
To form part of this grading system, hotels must satisfy the criteria previously stated for the level of standard of
the rooms, served meals, hosting, maintenance, security and the proposed leisure. These conditions were set
down by four technical committees that worked together in the project since February 2012. This new
classification has the objective to enhance the quality of the hotel structures and buildings and the services
offered to tourists all the year round. Moreover a working group under the auspices of the Ministry of tourism in
permanent contact with hotel operators has been formed to look after the success of the project. In order to
finish and implement the new classification of hotels in Mauritius, the authorities concerned called for foreign
expertise in the last step of the rating system and evaluation to rank the several hotels in Mauritius, as the
newspaper Le Matinal mentioned.
3
