CLASSIFICATION TOURISM ESTABLISHMENTS LEBANON October 20th, 2010 Joseph CHATTA
Tourism in Lebanon Sustained by The tourism industry in LEBANON has been historically important to the local economy and remains to this day to be a major source of revenue for Lebanon. Number of tourists, in 2009, increased by 39% compared to 2008 and to 82% compared to 2007 Reliability & Image of its Tourism Establishments The ministry of tourism expects 2.5 million tourists in 2010 from : Gulf countries, Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. Tourism Establishments classification in line with international standards 2
Mission Within its objective of exploring all means to improve the tourism in Lebanon, And by Decision 239 dated July 28 th,2010 the Ministry Of Tourism in Lebanon entrusted Bureau Veritas Liban SAL with the mission of: : 1. Assistance in upgrading the criteria of classification of tourism establishments (starting by the Hotels, Apartments and Restaurants) and 2. Inspection services related to classification of the tourism establishments requiring classification. 3
Bureau Veritas Founded in 1828, Bureau Veritas is an international group leader in the inspection, analysis, audit, classification, certification and management systems in relation to regulatory or voluntary frameworks. Efficient International Network Unique combination of international and local networks More than 900 offices in more than 140 countries Consistency of service delivery across the globe Brand and Reputation Strong brand built over 180 years of service: Technical excellence Integrity Independence Ability to push for high value-added services Unmatched Expertise Comprehensive portfolio of accreditations Thorough knowledge of regulations, reference frameworks and standards Extensive knowledge of industrial markets 4
Step 1 : Assistance in upgrading criteria of classification Lebanese decrees New classification for Tourism Establishments 4221/2000 15598/1970 Based on the Lebanese Decrees and world new classification criterions Tourism Establishments Proposal of upgraded criteria by Bureau Veritas Libran SAL Discussion between BV and MoT Modification Adoption by Ministry of Tourism Hotels 1 to 5 Tourist Residence 1 to 5 Restaurants 1 to 5 5
Step 1 : Assistance in upgrading criteria of classification -Status New classification for Tourism Establishments Issued by Ministry Decision 359 dated September 20 th,2010 Tourism Establishments Hotels 1 to 5 Tourist Residence 1 to 5 Restaurants 1 to 5 6
Step 2 -Process of Classification Tourism establishment should complete a Request of Inspection related to their organization and submit it to Bureau Veritas office. -Bureau Veritas intervention for classification will be scheduled after receiving from the tourism establishment of the following document: Pre diagnosis file dully filled. Copy of the establishment floor s furnished architectural drawings. Copy of the tourism Operation permit ( (اجازةاتسثمار issued by the MOT. Copy of the construction permit. The request of inspection, the updated classification criteria and the pre-diagnosis file are available on Bureau Veritas website: www.bureauveritas.com.lb 7
Step 2- Inspection and Certification Process Request of Inspection Contract (on website MOT and BVL) Signed & Submitted Pre-diagnosis file architectural & furnished drawings submitted. Internal analysis of the file Contact with the establishment - agreement on the date for the visit (or period if mystery visit) Mystery visit Meeting at start of the inspection with the establishment management Inspection Meeting at end of the inspection with the establishment management Transmission of BV report and certificate of inspection (including the eventual comments) to the establishment and to the Appeal by the Establishment N BV closes related establishment file Certificate of Classification issued by the Ministry Y Reception of related file BV Internal analysis of the file Contact with the establishment - agreement on the date for the visit (or period if mystery visit) Meeting at start of the inspection with the establishment management Inspection Meeting at end of the inspection with the establishment management Transmission of BV report and certificate of inspection (including the eventual comments) to the establishment and to the 8
Validity of the certificate The certificate of classification will be valid for one (1) year. Renewal is subject to re-inspection as per the procedure during five years period. 9
Transparency Transparency, Integrity and Independence : During the preparation of the pre-diagnosis file, the tourism establishment will self evaluate its level based on a list of criterions. The inspection by Bureau Veritas Liban SAL will confirm the conformity to the pre-diagnosis file (or point out the non conformities) and evaluate the class of the related establishment. Bureau Veritas Liban SAL will issue a certificate of inspection and an inspection report. Any non conformity will be noted in the report. Consequently, the establishment will take note of the potential areas of improvement for a targeted upgrading of its class. The process shows the determination in providing updated transparent system of classification of the tourism establishments in Lebanon. 10
ADDED VALUE The creates a Promotion Board and update its website with Information about the Tourism Establishments which have been classified. Tourists will have reliable information. They will be able to chose taking into account the establishment s class. 11