MOT streamlines hotel classification guidelines

Ministry of Tourism has streamlined the hotel classification guidelines to make them simple, transparent and time bound. The application for classification and payments of fees have been made through digital platform only, ensuring the eradication of possibility of delay or manipulation caused by human interference. The recent amendments have included a time limit of three months, thus removing any discretion in the matter. This will ensure a time bound compliance and speedy disposal of cases.
The amendments have made it clear that liquor shops in the premises of the hotel other than bars will not be considered for classification under star hotels “with alcohol” category, to remove any ambiguity. It has been made mandatory for all the hotels classified under all categories to display their classification status prominently at the reception and on their websites under a separate icon on the opening page, which will display the order of classification issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
The amendments have included a detailed timeline within which the classification has to be completed. In every case where the required documents and procedures are fulfilled, the classification will be completed within 90 days.