Ethiopia is a land of rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, attracting tourists from around the world. The tourism industry in Ethiopia is a growing sector contributing significantly to the country’s economy.
The country continues to attract more tourists each year and there is a growing need to enhance the quality of touristic services especially in the hospitality sector. One crucial aspect of improving the overall touristic experience is by enhancing hotel ratings.
No doubt, hotel ratings play a significant role in shaping a traveler’s decision-making process when choosing accommodation. A high hotel rating not only reflects the quality of service provided but also contributes to the overall image of a destination. Positive ratings can attract more tourists, boost the local economy, and create a positive reputation for the country as a whole.
For instance, one of the most effective ways to improve hotel ratings is by focusing on enhancing the customer experience. From the moment a guest arrives at the hotel until they check out, every interaction should be carefully curated to exceed their expectations. This includes personalized service, attention to detail, and prompt resolution of any issues that may arise.
Regarding enhancing hotel rating, the hotel staff plays a crucial role in shaping the overall guest experience. Investing in continuous training programs can help improve service levels, ensure consistency, and enhance guest satisfaction. Well-trained staff members are more equipped to handle challenging situations and go the extra mile to make a guest’s stay memorable.
According to hotel rating standardization experts, another essential factor that contributes to hotel ratings is cleanliness and hygiene. Guests expect rooms to be spotless, public areas to be well-maintained, and amenities to be sanitized regularly. Implementing stringent cleaning protocols and conducting regular inspections can help maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the hotel.
Moreover, leveraging latest technologies plays a vital role in enhancing the overall guest experience and improving hotel ratings. Implementing online booking systems, mobile check-in options, and in-room amenities such as smart TVs and high-speed internet can elevate the guest experience. Utilizing technology also allows for better communication with guests and facilitates quick responses to their needs.
Recently, Tourism Minister NasiseChali said that the newly-held hotel rating is vital to maintain a competitive spirit, improve service quality, enhance customer experience, and boost the Ethiopian hospitality industry’s global position.
According to her,the ministry publicized the star classification results of 31 new hotels that have met the mandatory criteria set by the World Tourism Organization. Among the 64 star-designated hotels in 2022 and 2023, seven are ranked four stars and another nine ranked three stars.
Also, five hotels are ranked 2 stars and another eight ranked one star, while two hotels are below the standard. These hotels are located in Addis Ababa as well as Bishoftu and Adama towns of the Oromia State.
The Minister stated that hotel grading is of great significance to boost international competitiveness and improve service delivery to tourists and other customers.
The classification also helps tour operators, conference and exhibition organizers, international communication channels, and their customers as well as service providers to carry out trust-based promotion work.
There are many obstacles to the development of Ethiopia’s tourism industry and one of which is the low level of quality and competitiveness of tourist-friendly services. Therefore, it is important to improve the quality of the hospitality service and boost the hotels global competitiveness, and increase the satisfaction of guests, she elaborated.
Nasise further highlighted that through providing professional support and supervision to hotels in all parts of country, including Addis Ababa, the ministry has made consolidated efforts to enable them to comply with mandatory requirements including fire prevention, health care, utilities and other standards.
“Before tourists come to Ethiopia for a visit, the hotels and facilities available in the destinations they visit are used as a source of pre-visit information to estimate the level of service quality. It is also known that the classification system has a significant role in enabling fairness and transparency in government service procurement.”
By increasing the capacity of local experts, 91 hotels were given different ratings in 2019. Out of the 456 hotels, 340 have been rated from one to five stars, and the rest are below the standard, the minister remarked.
One of the major challenges facing touristic services in Ethiopia is the limited infrastructure, including transportation networks and accommodation facilities. This can impact the overall satisfaction of tourists and their willingness to visit again.
Accordingly, adopting international rating standards can help align Ethiopian hotel ratings with global benchmarks, making it easier for travelers to understand and compare the quality of accommodations. Consistency in ratings improves transparency and trust in the industry.
Developing customized rating systems that take into account the unique cultural and environmental factors of Ethiopia can provide a more tailored and accurate reflection of hotel quality. Local input and expertise are valuable in creating effective rating systems that cater to the specific needs of tourists in Ethiopia.
Enhancing hotel ratings in Ethiopia requires a multifaceted approach involving training, quality assurance, technology integration, and sustainability practices. By focusing on these aspects, hotels can elevate their services and attract more tourists.
To improve hotel ratings in Ethiopia, sector experts recommended to prioritize staff training, implement robust quality assurance measures, embrace technology innovations, and adopt sustainable practices. By staying responsive to guest feedback and industry trends, hotels can enhance their ratings and contribute to the growth of the tourism sector in Ethiopia.
In sum, enhancing hotel ratings is crucial for improving touristic services in Ethiopia and attracting more visitors to the country. By focusing on customer experience, staff training, cleanliness, technology, and guest feedback, hotels can elevate their ratings and provide guests with a truly exceptional stay. Investing in these key areas will not only benefit individual hotels but also contribute to the overall growth and development of the tourism industry in Ethiopia.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 12 APRIL 2024
