The Ministry of Tourism is modifying the classification standards for hotels and guesthouses through a new ministerial order, eliminating criteria from the 1990s and introducing modern comfort and digitalization requirements. The new regulations will come into force after publication in the Official Gazette, while also bringing increased protection measures for tourists.
According to the new document, internet access becomes a mandatory basic amenity, and air conditioning units will also be mandatory for 4-star (daisy) establishments, not just 5-star ones. Additionally, in-room televisions must be modern, with a diagonal of at least 80 centimeters. Outdated amenities, such as faxes, answering machines, and physical presentation brochures, will be eliminated from the classification criteria, with the latter being replaced by updated websites and QR codes. Alin Grigore, director within the General Directorate of Tourism, explained that the measure aims to simplify processes through digitalization, an aspect also welcomed by Roxana Cojocea, representative of the Poiana Brașov tourism employers’ organization. Furthermore, the mandatory update of presentation websites aims to correctly inform customers, preventing the use of misleading images, as pointed out by Gabriel Roșca, a hotel representative.
In addition to comfort criteria, the order introduces strict consumer protection rules in the event of business closure. Thus, according to information transmitted by PRO TV, administrators will no longer be able to deregister the classification certificate without a self-declaration confirming that they have no paid and unfulfilled reservations, being obliged to refund money to customers who paid in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main changes in the new hotel classification rules?
The new rules eliminate outdated 1990s criteria like faxes and physical brochures, making internet access, modern TVs, and QR codes mandatory, alongside air conditioning for 4-star establishments.
When do the new regulations come into effect?
The new regulations will enter into force immediately after their publication in the Official Gazette.
How are consumers protected if a hotel closes down?
Administrators cannot deregister their classification certificate without declaring they have no unfulfilled paid bookings, and they must refund all advance payments.