Dubai, 9th May 2012 (WAM) - The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has announced that there has been a huge response from the hotel establishments in the emirate for the new Hotel Classification Scheme with as many as 90 properties enrolling for the new system during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM-2012).

Mr. Majid Al Marri, DTCM Director of Classification, said senior representatives of about 180 hotels attended the 12 workshops that the department conducted during the four-day ATM-2012 in Dubai to update the hospitality industry professionals about the new hotel classification scheme designed to meet the expectations and needs of the tourism industryHe said the department will continue to host more workshops to help this important and vital sector get benefitted from the new programme designed to raise the quality standards of the hospitality establishments in the emirate.

He added: "Dubai has experienced phenomenal growth in tourism product supply and visitors volume in its journey to become a leading global destination. The resulting increase in visitors' awareness and visitation has driven unprecedented development of Dubai's accommodation portfolio." DTCM launched a dedicated website www.classification.dubaitourism.ae for its new hotel classification programme launched at ATM-2012.

The new classification website was launched to provide information concerning the licensing and classification of guest establishments of all categories and ratings. Allowing easier access to information to investor and industry alike, the classification website will allow for direct submissions of all classification applications, completion of self-assessments and communication with DTCMDTCM has also conducted a series of presentations to the hotel industry which provided details concerning the new draft of the Industry Manual, new criteria checklists, and an overview of the entire classification scheme.

Highlighting the presentations has been details concerning the new Accolade programme. This is a first of its kind in the region programme that reward the outstanding achievement of hotels and resorts by awarding a Gold and Platinum level to qualifying 5 star establishments.

The new Classification website will streamline the application process for industry, offering a wide range of e-services to the industry, and providing a dedicated "Partner Page" for each establishment.

The department said the New Classification Scheme highlights the quality of Guest Accommodation in the emirate, strives to satisfy all consumers and promote retention, diversified Guest Accommodation options develops new investment opportunities and opens new consumer markets, provides transparent and detailed requirements for Guest Accommodation, in line with international practices.

Of particular interest to the industry representatives on hand was the details provided on the new Accolade and Designator programmes. The Accolade programme is a first of its kind in the region offering for 5 star Hotels and Resorts. Qualifying establishments will be able to apply for a Gold and Platinum Accolade that will significantly increase their marketing opportunities and highlight their luxurious service standards. The Designator programme will allow all categories and ratings to directly market those establishments that cater to 1 or more specific markets (ie Desert location, Family friendly, Golf destination, etc). Establishments seeking details on the Accolade or Designator programmes are invited to download the new Industry Manual at classification.dubaitourism.ae for further details of these exciting programmes.

Mr. Majid Al Marri, Director, Hotel Classification, said: "The new Classification scheme is expected to help increase the quality of guest accommodation offerings in the Emirate of Dubai, support the tourism growth strategy, and allow better marketing opportunities for establishments." DTCM was pleased with the industry response to the presentations, and the turnout at the DTCM stand.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2012.