"The problem is related to the standards", the head of the Hospitality-Tourism Association talks about the new evaluation fees for 4-5 star hotels: The establishment of certified groups is needed

The Chairman of the Tourism Hotel Association, Zak Topuzi, has stated that the problem of rating hotels with 4 or 5 stars is related to the standards. In his speech on the show "Albanian Life" regarding the proposal of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment for the new rates for the evaluation of 4 or 5 star hotels, Topuzi said that the establishment of certified and standardized groups is needed.

He emphasized that the ministry has specialists, but no experts.

"The problem with stars is related to standards. Only Albania has not done it yet. This is a matter of prestige, it is consumer protection that is related to this process.

The star process is a process that cannot be done by the Ministry. They are certified structures, trained people. A process started by USAID. It has been a request of our industry since 15 years ago. The later this process is done, the more costs there will be for the subjects.

Albania is moving towards Europe and we must definitely be certified. The hotel stars system is the system on which this program was supported. The problem remained in establishing the structures that would manage this problem, because the ministry has specialists, but no experts. Certified, standardized groups that bear responsibility for this process should be established.

The problem is that there is no proper infrastructure with the persons responsible to do this process", said Topuzi.

Each applicant, in order to receive an assessment that his accommodation structure is 4 or 5 stars, must meet the following criteria to invest in the construction of a 4 or 5 star accommodation structure, which is located in priority areas for tourism development, determined by the legislation in force.

The investment value must be no less than 8 million euros for the construction of the 4-star accommodation structure and no less than 15 million euros for the construction of the 5-star accommodation structure.

In addition, the accommodation structure must be managed by a managing operator, registered as a trademark or internationally recognized "brand name" with 4 and/or 5 stars, by the competent authorities of the countries where they are located, linked to the applicant by an agreement valid for the duration of the status.

"The applicant must not be subject to bankruptcy proceedings and must not have a forced liquidation or administration order from the court or any other similar procedure. Not to have been convicted by a final court decision for the criminal offenses provided for in the "Tourism" law, as well as to have fulfilled the obligations for the payment of taxes and duties, in accordance with Albanian legislation or with the provisions applicable in the country of origin ",  the decision states.