A total of 90 properties have enrolled for the new hotel classification scheme introduced by Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) during the recent Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai.

Majid Al Marri, DTCM director of Classification, said senior representatives of about 180 hotels attended the 12 workshops that the department conducted during the four-day ATM 2012 to update the hospitality industry professionals about the new hotel classification scheme designed to meet the expectations and needs of the tourism industry.

He said the department will continue to host more workshops to help this important and vital sector get benefitted from the new programme designed to raise the quality standards of the hospitality establishments in the emirate.

He added: “Dubai has experienced phenomenal growth in tourism product supply and visitors volume in its journey to become a leading global destination. The resulting increase in visitors’ awareness and visitation has driven unprecedented development of Dubai’s accommodation portfolio.”

DTCM launched a dedicated website classification.dubaitourism.ae for its new hotel classification programme launched at ATM 2012.

The new classification website was launched to provide information concerning the licensing and classification of guest establishments of all categories and ratings.

Allowing easier access to information to investor and industry alike, the classification website will allow for direct submissions of all classification applications, completion of self-assessments and communication with DTCM.

DTCM has also conducted a series of presentations to the hotel industry which provided details concerning the new draft of the industry manual, new criteria checklists, and an overview of the entire classification scheme.

The presentations also highlighted details concerning the new Accolade programme. This is a first of its kind in the region programme that reward the outstanding achievement of hotels and resorts by awarding a Gold and Platinum level to qualifying five-star establishments.

The new classification website will streamline the application process for industry, offering a wide range of e-services to the industry, and providing a dedicated “Partner Page” for each establishment.

The department said the new classification scheme highlights the quality of guest accommodation in the emirate and strives to satisfy all consumers and promote retention. – TradeArabia News Service