Good Accessibility Gives Points in Danish Hotels Classification Scheme

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HORESTA, the Danish trade organisation for hotel, restaurant and tourist businesses which awards stars to the Danish Hotels, has published its new criteria and points system for 2010 onwards. One of the new elements that gives points for a hotel or conference centre, is whether the venue is a member of an accessibility labelling scheme.

Logo of HORESTA star classification systemHORESTA, the Danish trade organisation for hotel, restaurant and tourist businesses which awards stars to the Danish hotels, has published its new criteria and points system for 2010 onwards.

One of the new elements that can give points for a hotel or conference centre, is if the venue is a member of an accessibility labelling scheme.

A hotel business can gain additional points if it is labelled for accessibility and its data are published on the website of www.godadgang.dk where guests can find reliable information on accessibility before their visit.

In addition, hotels can achieve more points by fulfilling the minimum requirements of the Danish accessibility standards. These standards cover the needs of various guests who can include, wheelchair users, people with walking, arm or hand impairments, sight impaired, hearing impaired, people with asthma or allergies, people with learning difficulties and people who have reading difficulties. 

Welcoming the move, Ulla Kramer, who heads the web service GodAdgang.dk at the Danish Accessibility Association stated:  The hotel sector shows with these new requirements, that they believe that good access is a significant parameter that customers now and in the future - in large numbers -  will be demanding, and that the whole sector needs to adjust so that it can embrace all guests, including those with special needs.

She continued: This is a welcome, practical example showing that responsibility and business can go hand-in-hand. An example which we hope will serve as inspiration for others. 

HORESTA star classification for hotels

Every star classified hotel is a member of the Danish industry association, HORESTA. All hotels are inspected at least once every year to ensure that they continue to meet the requirements of the current classification.

The new criteria are valid from July 1st 2010.

All Danish hotels with at least 40 beds have been classified on a scale ranging up to 5 stars. The classification scheme is based upon objective criteria, i.e. the presence or absence of a wide range of facilities and services.

The number of stars is therefore not indicative of more subjective features such as atmosphere, quality of food and service, location or view.

HORESTA is a Founding Member of the Danish Accessibility Association. 

The HORESTA criteria for hotel and conference star classifications can be downloaded in Danish and English in PDF format from the right-hand panel.