Ethiopia will introduce a new hotel classification system next month, replacing the existing star ratings, the tourism minister said on Wednesday, in a sector that has seen rapid expansion over the past decade prior to COVID impacts.
The hospitality industry showed drastic growth in Ethiopia over the last 10 years, with the country establishing itself as a prime location for new hotel projects alongside markets like Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco and Cape Verde. There are now over 10 international hotel chains present, including Radison Blu, Sheraton Addis, Marriott Executives, Hyatt Regency and Best Western Hotels.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the hospitality sector to suffer, delaying some planned chain developments. The new classification system aims to help reset and strengthen quality standards as tourism rebounds.
Under regulations, all accommodation establishments must be re-evaluated every three years to ensure compliance with quality standards. The Ministry of Tourism has completed preliminary work to re-classify hotels across the capital Addis Ababa and regions.
"As of September [2024], the previous star-rating system will no longer be applied," Tourism Minister Nasise Chali said.
Properties that fail the re-assessment will have their ratings revoked as the prior classification expired in line with the law, she said.
The change aims to enhance services at hotels and boost the competitiveness of Ethiopia's tourism sector, with an emphasis on quality and the guest experience under the new framework, Nasir added.