Ethiopia's Ministry of Tourism recently announced the results of hotel evaluations. Disappointingly, none of the 64 establishments assessed achieved the coveted 5-star rating. This follows a similar trend in 2022 and 2023, where evaluations of the same number of hotels yielded no 5-star designations.

The Ministry evaluated hotels in major tourist destinations like Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Adama, Bishoftu, Shashemene, and Dukem. Out of the 64 hotels reviewed, only 31 met the basic requirements for rating, and none qualified for the top 5-star distinction.

Minister of Tourism Nasise Chali provided a breakdown of the remaining hotels: 7 received 4-star ratings, 9 earned 3 stars, 5 were awarded 2 stars, and 8 were rated 1 star. The final two establishments fell below the minimum standards for classification.

Historically, hotel evaluations have been conducted periodically. In 2007, a larger group of 365 hotels underwent assessment, followed by 91 hotels in 2011. Up until 2011, a total of 340 hotels had been classified into categories ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Unfortunately, challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic led to a hiatus in subsequent evaluations.

Recognizing the importance of maintaining competitiveness in the global tourism market, Minister Chali stressed the need for regular hotel assessments. The Ministry plans to resume evaluations starting next week, urging hotels to prepare accordingly to meet the established standards.

Source: Sheger FM 102.1