Hotel classification and quality certification audits
Request a proposalEvery hotel must meet the classification standards set by its country’s Ministry of Tourism. GDI audits your hotel against those standards, so you know exactly where you stand before the official audits and can pass them, earn your classification and keep it.
What is a hotel classification audit?
A hotel’s classification, such as its star category, is granted by the Ministry of Tourism, or the authority it appoints, against a detailed set of standards. Hotels are checked against these standards in regular official audits, and must keep meeting them to keep their classification.
GDI carries out independent audits against the same Ministry of Tourism standards. Our inspectors check every requirement that applies to your hotel, record where it is met and where it is not, and tell you what to put right before the official audit takes place.
The result is fewer surprises on the day, a clear plan for any gaps, and the confidence that your hotel will pass its monthly and yearly classification audits.
What we check
Every requirement in your Ministry of Tourism standards, grouped the way the official audit looks at them.
Facilities and rooms
Room sizes, furnishings, bathrooms and amenities required for your classification.
Public areas
Reception, lobby, restaurants, lifts, corridors and other areas guests use.
Services
Opening hours, room service, housekeeping, concierge and the other services your category requires.
Safety and security
The safety, security and accessibility requirements set by the standards.
Documentation
The records, licences and procedures the official auditors ask to see.
Quality certification
Quality certification audits against the criteria that apply to your hotel.
How it works
We start from the Ministry of Tourism standards for your country and category. An inspector with a hospitality background then audits the hotel against every applicable requirement and scores each one met, not met or not applicable, marking the critical ones.
After the audit, we go through the findings with your management team in a debrief. Every gap becomes an action plan in our software, so your teams can assign, track and close each action before the official classification audit.
Hotels can book a single audit before an official visit, or regular audits so they stay ready all year. We work in 108 countries.
Frequently asked questions
Does GDI award hotel classifications?
No. Classifications are awarded by the Ministry of Tourism or the authority it appoints. GDI audits your hotel against the same standards, so you are ready for the official audits.
Which standards do you audit against?
The Ministry of Tourism classification standards that apply to your hotel’s country and category, and the quality certification criteria you need.
How often should a hotel be audited?
Before each official audit, or regularly through the year, so standards are met every day and not only on the day of the visit.
Can a classification audit be combined with a mystery audit?
Yes. Many hotels combine an audit against their classification standards with a mystery audit of the guest experience.
Elevate your hotel’s standards with GDI
We would be delighted to show you how our audits, standards, training and software work together for your properties.