Wednesday 31st January 2007

New Classification System for Hotels
Approved by Hotels Federation

The members of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) at an Extraordinary General Meeting today approved a new classification scheme for hotels and guesthouses. Devised in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, the scheme which is among the most modern in Europe, will involve all hotels and guesthouses conducting an annual self-assessment of their facilities and services. This self assessment will be then subject to thorough independent verification by the Fáilte Ireland appointed contractor. This new approach will provide for more open and transparent classification of premises which will provide the public, through a dedicated web-site, the detailed basis on which each hotel and guesthouse achieves its classification.

Annette Devine, President, IHF, states “As an industry, hotels and guesthouses in Ireland continue to deliver the highest quality of service in a highly competitive market. The new classification scheme approved by IHF members today will make it easier for visitors to evaluate and choose the hotel and guesthouse of their choice. It will provide Ireland’s tourism industry with one of the most modern classification schemes in Europe based on clear and objective criteria representing the distinct character and range of facilities of individual premises.”

ENDS

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Siobhan Molloy/Eoin Quinn - Tel: 01 6760168
Weber Shandwick FCC - 086 817 50 66 / 087 2332191