The immediate activation of the certification process that allows Greek accommodations to be designated as “Boutique Hotels” and receive a special seal as long as they fulfill the respective requirements, was announced by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels which launched a new platform.
The digital platform for the process of certification of accommodations as Boutique Hotels is already at the disposal of the Greek hoteliers while the procedure and prerequisites for acquiring the seal were presented by the chamber’s president, Yiorgos Tsakiris who stressed that Greek tourism needs to enhance product definition and specifications to compete in the highly demanding international arena.
The first official presentation of the “Boutique Hotel” branding in Greece took place in the offices of the Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) and was attended by the Minister of Tourism Ms Elena Kountoura.
As noted, the Chamber’s philosophy regarding the implementation of the process is based, among other things, on the need to define and certify the hosting services provided in Greece and at the same time limit their self-determination to better serve consumer choices.
The Boutique Hotel branding is a means of distinguishing and promoting hotels offering unique experiences to their visitors and allows licensed hotels to defend against unfair domestic and international competition.
During the presentation it was stressed that the basic conditions for the inclusion of a unit in the” Boutique Hotel “category are:
- a) Size is up to 60 rooms
- b) 3, 4 or 5 star category status.
The relevant review for the evaluation of a “Boutique Hotel” is carried out in 4 phases through an on-line interactive process.
Based on the answers of each interested hotelier in a special questionnaire, the unit concept is evaluated and the Commission (composed of professionals from the hospitality industry, architects and decorators) studies the relevant material.
An on-line assessment of the Upgraded Services is carried out, followed by the Certification, during which the Audit and Inspection Body, through an on-site audit confirms that the conditions for joining the “Boutique Hotel are fulfilled, based on relevant criteria as defined by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels.
The “Boutique Hotel” Identification Specifications essentially share the implementation of the Concept:
- 1. On the premises of the hotel
- 2. In its architectural design
- 3. In its decoration.
Relevant material from the presentation of the certification system of the Boutique Hotels of Greece in the attached file while Greek hoteliers interested in receiving the relevant seal can learn more on the certification process, here.
The President of the Hellenic Tourism Organization, Mr. George Tsakiris, and the Minister of Tourism Mrs. Elena Kountoura in the presentation on the certification process of the “Boutique Hotels”
