In the Ministry of Trade and Industry was held the meeting between the Hotels Classification and Categorization Commission with the Tourism and Economic Development Directorates’ Directors and the Inspectorates Executives of Prishtina, Prizren, Peja, Mitrovica, Gjilan, Ferizaj and Gjakova.
At the meeting was discussed about raising and awareness of the hospitality businesses on classification and categorization of the accommodation facilities in Kosovo.
The Hotels Classification and Categorization Commission’s Chairperson, Hysen Sogojeva informed the participants about the possibilities and the ways of categorization of accommodation premises, and on how to establish a coordination relations with local institutions in order to regulate this area according to international standards, even the categorization is voluntary and not mandatory.
While, Deputy Minister of MTI, Mr. Fadil Arifi, asked for a closer cooperation with all relevant stakeholders in order to rise the number of application for categorization of their accommodation businesses all over the Kosovo.
Further he added: "As we know that tourism is a very good opportunity for country's economic development and there are great benefit opportunities for all stakeholders, of course if we have a greater development, and this can be achieved only by applying standards and quality services. In regard to this, we as the MTI have taken an initiative to strengthen this area. Initially our intention is to increase our capacities, and very will soon we will establish the Tourism Department, and soon afterwards also the National Tourism Organization, “said Arifi.
He further pointed out that parallel to this we will harmonize legal frame, since current tourism services are providing weak services, without quality and security to visitors.
Deputy Minister Arifi also spoked about the Concept Paper for improving the Tourism Law, but until the new law comes into the power, we are very interested to interfere in areas where the law is not needed.
He also said that the phenomenon of "self-categorization" of accommodation facilities is to be worried. "We are concerned that many hotels today place themselves stars that is considered illegal, so we need to mobilize inspecting bodies and intervene in improving created situation," said Arifi.
According to Deputy Minister Arifi, the categorization of accommodation facilities should not be seen as a barrier or burden for businesses, as the procedures are very simple and there is no fee to be paid, and this would only bring benefits to them as it will affects in increase the quality of their services and improving the image of Kosovo's hotels.