The Knesset Law Committee on Wednesday 25 Teves approved Tourism Ministry regulations that will allow for the imposition of a fine up to NIS 9,000 for any hotel publishing misleading and unofficial star ratings.

Hotel star ratings in Israel is currently a voluntary procedure – and to date only about 25 hotels have registered. These include, among others, in Jerusalem: the Yehuda Hotel, David Citadel, Mamilla, Jerusalem Gold and American Colony; in Tel Aviv the Gilgal and Arbel Suites Hotels; in the Lower Galil Kibbutz Lavi Hotel and at the Dead Sea, the Hod Hamidbar Hotel. Another 16 hotels are in the process of being rated.

According to the requirements of the Tourism Minister and in accordance with agreements made with the Hotels Association, the hoteliers pledged that there will be at least 100 hotels either with star ratings or in the process of being rated. The Tourism Ministry is convinced that this commitment will be realized and that there will be no need to make the ratings process mandatory.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)