What areas would be covered by these ISO International Standards for Tourism Services? In fact, there would be absolutely no limit to the scope of their influence and ongoing effect on operating and capital costs through design, operating procedures, equipment and supplies, training and employee qualifications, service levels, schedules and more.

Are the hotel operators – the developers, the investors or the hotel owners concerned? No. Not enough. In fact many misinterpret the term “standards” in this context to mean their own corporate standards, failing to realize that in fact these are potential regulations, laws or codes. Although only some countries may ultimately choose to adopt ISO International Standards, they could always be used by tribunals or courts of law in future disputes.

“Many hotel and restaurant executives simply don’t take the time to understand the threat posed by ISO standards,” said IH&RA CEO David McMillan. “They don’t understand that although voluntary, these international standards, overlaying existing national and local standards, are a back-door to legislation and regulation at the national level and could mean huge losses for the industry later down the road if not stopped in these early stages”. This pressure for International Standards is supported in particular by the developing countries that see this as an easy and cost-effective route to establish standards they cannot create alone.

Although ISO standards are voluntary, the hotel and restaurant industry should know the risks. For example, an ISO standard would or might:

• Constitute an unnecessary additional layer of top-heavy bureaucracy resulting in increased financial and administrative costs for operators of hotels, restaurants and resorts everywhere.
• Require costly 3 rd party certification
• Entail additional staff training commitments and equipment certification
• Serve as a reference in any cross-border litigation brought before the courts
• Create a precedent for Tour Operators or other 3 rd party tourism service providers
• Create a “one-size-fits-all” standard potentially either too broad or too restrictive
• Stifle regional and cultural specificities

...........and be co-scripted by ‘experts’ including certification agencies and consumer advocacy groups

In addition to pushing forward to include accommodation and catering in “International Standards for Tourism Services”, ISO just announced in July 2006 that Spa Services would be thrown into the mix.

So, what might be next? Security, housekeeping, doorman and beverage service, check-in time, training and certification requirements, bed specs, bathroom specs, golf and tennis standards, hotel taxis, room service, internet and pillow content! Where would it end?
IH&RA wants to put an end to it. Now. While IH&RA opposes ”International Standards” for the industry, IH&RA does

• support hotel and restaurant standards evolved by the industry at the national level to ensure the well-being, comfort, safety and security of clients and employees.
• applaud the hospitality industry for implementing and adhering to strict and stringent quality control standards that already exist in their own countries.
• commend the industry’s ongoing and constant drive to improve quality.
• congratulate the majority of hotels and restaurants working proactively to develop their own internal corporate standards that often exceed national requirements.

IH&RA believes that industry standards should be drafted only by and for the industry and in support of its employees and its customers. Join IH&RA in the fight against non-industry driven standards. Be proactive and protect tomorrow - today. Learn more at: ih-ra.com

For 60 years, IH&RA has served as the hotel and restaurant industry’s advocate before the United Nations and international policy making agencies. IH&RA serves its members by acting as an international observer that identifies threats, sends early warning signals and mounts opposition to all initiatives that could lead to costly legislation and unnecessary regulation for the hotel and restaurant industry worldwide. ih-ra.com