Pioneering star system in Norway

Norway is getting a pioneering system for quality assurance of hotels. - The best news regarding the Norwegian system is that customers themselves measure the level of service and that hotels must be environmentally friendly to get the most stars, Minister of Trade and Industry Trond Giske said.

The system is developed by the Norwegian Hospitality Association. It contains specific criteria for awarding hotels from one to five stars, and a simple technical solution for going through evalutations.

- The system is internationally groundbreaking and will be an example to be followed in other European countries. We know that several countries are already underway to improve its own system based on the work that has been laid down in the new Norwegian system, Giske said.

The new rating system emphasizes safety, service and flexibility. Guest feedback also counts.

- A hotel may lose a star if guests are dissatisfied. This is a new concept compared with similar systems in Europe, Giske said.

The system will enhance the opportunity for hotel guests to know what to expect from various hotels before booking.

- It is about time that Norway gets a national quality assurance system for the hotel industry, Giske said.