GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF TOURISM
(HRACC Division)

Hotels are an important component of the tourism product. They contribute in the overall
tourism experience through the standards of facilities and services offered by them. With
the aim of providing contemporary standards of facilities and services available in the
hotels, the Ministry of Tourism has formulated a voluntary scheme for classification of
operational hotels which will be applicable to the following categories:

I. Star Category Hotels: 5 Star Deluxe, 5 Star, 4 Star, 3 Star, 2 Star & 1 Star

II. Heritage Category Hotels: Heritage Grand, Heritage Classic & Heritage Basic

2. The Hotel & Restaurant Approval & Classification Committee (HRACC) inspects
and assesses the hotels based on the facilities and services offered.

• Hotel Projects are approved at implementation stage

• Operational Hotels are classified under various categories

3. Details of the criteria for Project Approval / Classification along with the
documents required for this purpose are given in this document.

Applications for project approvals under the category of Heritage, 4 star and 5
star as well as applications for Classification of operational hotels in the category of 4
star, 5 Star and 5 star Deluxe as well as Heritage (Basic, Classic & Grand)
categories along with the requisite fee (paid vide Demand Draft) may be sent to:

Member Secretary (HRACC)/ Hotel and Restaurants Division

Ministry of Tourism
C-1 Hutments, Dalhousie Road
New Delhi 110011
Telefax: 011 – 23012810 / 23792504

Revised Oct. 2011 1

4. For project approval /classification in 3, 2 and 1 Star categories, application
along with the requisite fee (paid vide Demand Draft) maybe forwarded to the
Regional Director, Indiatourism Office in whose region the hotel / project is located.
The offices of the Regional Directors are as under:

i. Regional Director, Indiatourism (Western & Central Region), 123 Maharshi Karve
Road, Mumbai - 400 020

ii. Regional Director, Indiatourism (Northern Region), 88 Janpath, New Delhi - 110
001

iii. Regional Director, Indiatourism (Southern Region), 154 Anna Salai, Chennai–
600002

iv. Regional Director, Indiatourism (Eastern Region), ‘Embassy’, 4 Shakespeare

Sarani, Kolkata – 700 071

v. Regional Director, Indiatourism (North Eastern Region), Assam Paryatan

Bhawan, 3rd Floor, Near Nepali Mandir, A.K. Azad Road, Paltan Bazar, Guwahati
- 781 008

5. The detailed Guidelines for Project Approval are at Annexure I and that for
Classification / Re- Classification at Annexure II

6. The Ministry of Tourism reserves the right to modify the Guidelines / Terms and
Conditions from time to time.

******

Revised Oct.2011 2
 ANNEXURE I

GENERAL TERMS, CONDITIONS & APPLICATION FORMAT FOR APPROVAL OF

HOTELS AT THE PROJECT LEVEL

APPROVAL OF HOTEL AT THE PROJECT STAGE

1. The Ministry of Tourism will approve hotels at project stage based on

documentation. Project approval is given to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Star and Heritage (Basic)
categories. Hotel projects approved under 5 Star and Heritage category after becoming
operational may seek classification under 5 Star Deluxe / Heritage Classic / Heritage
Grand category if they fulfill the prescribed norms.

2. Project approvals will be valid for 5 years. The Project Approval would cease
3 months before the date of expiry of project approval or from the date the
hotel becomes operational, even if all its rooms are not ready. The hotel must
apply for Classification within 3 months of commencing operations. The application for
Project Approval will be submitted complete in all respect as per details given
below. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

3. Application Form should have the following details:

i. Proposed name of the Hotel:

ii. Name of the promoters with a note on the business antecedents in not more than
60 words

iii. Complete postal address of the promoter with Telephone, Fax and Email
address

iv. Status of the owner/promoter:

a) If Public/private limited company with copies of Memorandum and Articles of

Association

b) If Partnership, a copy of Partnership Deed and Certificate of Registration

c) If proprietary concern, name and address of proprietor/ certificate of

Registration

v. Location of hotel site with postal address

Revised Oct.2011 3
vi. Details of the site:

a) Area (in sq. meters)

b) Title – owned / leased with copies of sale / lease deed

c) Copy of Land Use Permit to construct Hotel from local authorities

d) Distance (in Kms) from (a) Railway station (b) airport (c) main
shopping center

vii. Details of the project:

a ) Copy of Feasibility Report

b ) Star category planned

c ) Number of rooms (with attached bathrooms) and size for each type of
room (in sq.ft)

d ) Size of bathrooms (in sq.ft.)

e ) Details of public areas with size in sq. ft. – Lobby / lounge; restaurants; bar;
shopping; banquet/conference halls; business centre; health club; swimming
pool; parking facilities (no. of vehicles)

f ) Facilities for the differently abled guests (room with attached bathroom
earmarked for this purpose, designated parking, ramps for free
accessibility in public areas and to at least one restaurant, designated toilet
(unisex) at the lobby level etc.). All hotels at project stage will require
conforming to the requirements by 01.09.2010.

g) Eco-friendly Practices (a) Sewage Treatment Plant (b) rain

water harvesting (c) waste management (d) pollution control method for
air, water and light (e) introduction of non CFC equipment for refrigeration
and air conditioning. All hotels at project stage will require conforming to the
requirements by 01.09.2010.

h) Energy/ water conservation (use of CFL lamps, solar energy, water saving
devices / taps)

i) Details of Fire Fighting Measures / Hydrants etc.

j) Date by which project is expected to be completed and become

operational

k) Any other additional facilities

l) Security related features

Revised Oct.2011 4
m) The architecture of the hotel building in hilly and ecologically fragile areas should
incorporate creative architecture keeping in mind sustainability and energy efficiency
and as far as possible in conformity with local art and architecture with use of local
materials.

4. Blue prints / Building Plans signed b y the owner, t h e architect and approved
b y the competent authority showing:

i. Site plan

ii. Front and side elevation

iii. Floor plans for all floors

iv. Detail of guest rooms and bath rooms with dimensions in sq.ft.

v. Details of Fire Fighting Measures/ Hydrants etc.

vi. Air-conditioning details for guest rooms, public areas

5. Local approvals by:

i. Municipal Authority

ii. Concerned Police Authority

iii. Any other local authority as maybe applicable / required (viz. Pollution Control
Board / Ministry of Environment & Forests etc.)

iv. Approval / NOC from Airport Authority of India for projects located near the Airport

6. Note: The above mentioned approvals / NOCs are the responsibility of the
promoter / concerned company as the case may be. The Ministry’s approval is
no substitute for any statutory approval and the approval given is liable to be withdrawn
in case of any violation without notice.

7. Proposed capital structure:

a) Total project cost

b) Equity component with details of paid up capital

c) Debt – with current and proposed sources of funding

8. Submission of ‘Undertaking’ for observance of regulatory conditions / terms &

conditions to be furnished by the applicant (Format enclosed at Annexure III).

Revised Oct.2011 5
9. The application should indicate whether a few rooms or all rooms are to be let
out on a Time Share basis. Hotels which propose to let out part of or all its rooms on
time-share basis will not be eligible for Classification under this scheme.

10. Application fee in the form of a Demand Draft payable to “Pay & Accounts
Officer, Department of Tourism, New Delhi” (further details are given at point No. 14)

11. In the event of any change in the project plan, the applicant should apply afresh
for approval under the desired category

12. Authorized officers of the Ministry of Tourism should be allowed free access to
inspect the premises from time to time without prior notice

13. The hotel must immediately inform the Ministry of the date from which the hotel
becomes operational and apply for Classification within 3 months from the date of
operation

14. The fee payable for the project approval and subsequent extension, if required is as
under. The Demand Draft may be payable to “Pay & Accounts Officer,
Department of Tourism, New Delhi”.

Star Category Amount in Rs.

5- star 15,000
4-star 12,000
3-star 8,000
2-star 6,000
1-star 5,000
Heritage category 12,000

15. The promoter must forward quarterly progress reports failing which the project
approval is liable to be withdrawn

16. All documents must be valid at the time of application. All copies of documents
submitted must be duly attested by a Gazetted officer / Notary. Documents in local
language should be accompanied by a translated version in English which should also be
duly certified.

Revised Oct.2011 6
17. Projects, where it is proposed to let out part or whole of the hotel on ‘Time Share
basis’, will not be covered under these guidelines. (Such facilities, however, will be
covered under a separate Guideline of Timeshare Resort which are available
at www.tourism.gov.in)

18. Any change in the project plan or management for 5 Star Deluxe, 5 Star, 4 Star
and Heritage categories should be informed to the Ministry of Tourism and for 3 Star,
2 Star & 1 Star categories to the respective Regional Indiatourism Office within 30 days,
failing which the approval will stand withdrawn / terminated

19. The project approval is only applicable for new hotels coming up and not
for additional rooms coming up in existing hotels

20. The minimum size of rooms and bathrooms for all categories have been specified
in the Guidelines. Hotels of 1, 2, 3 and 4 Star categories availing subsidy / tax benefits /
other benefits from the Central / State Government would be subject to a Lock- in
period of 8 years so that these hotels continue to serve as budget category
hotels. Hotels would be permitted to apply for up- gradation to a higher star category after
the completion of the lock in period.

21. Applicants are requested to go through the CHECKLIST’ OF FACILITIES &

SERVICES contained in this document before applying for project approval of
new hotel projects / classification of operational hotels.

22. Application for Hotel Project approval forwarded through post will not be
accepted if found incomplete and applicant will be asked to complete the application
and furnish the required documents / information.

******

Revised Oct.2011 7
 ANNEXURE II

CLASSIFICATION / RECLASSIFICATION OF OPERATIONAL HOTELS

1. Classification for newly operational hotels if approved by Ministry of Tourism at

project stage, must be sought within 3 months of completion of the project. Operating
hotels may opt for Classification at any stage. However, hotels seeking Re-classification
should apply for reclassification at least six months prior to the expiry of the current
period of classification

2. If a hotel fails to apply for Re-classification six months before the expiry of the
classification period, the application will be treated as a fresh case of classification

3. Once a hotel applies for Classification/ Re-classification, it should be ready at

all times for inspection by the inspection committee of the HRACC. No request
for deferment of inspection will be entertained

4. Classification will be valid for a period of 5 (Five) years from the date of approval
of Chairman HRACC or in case of Re-classification, from the date of expiry of the last
classification, provided that the application has been received six months prior to the
expiry of the current period of classification, along with all valid documents. Incomplete
applications will not be accepted

5. The application should indicate whether a few rooms or all rooms are to be let
out on a ‘Time Share basis’. Hotels which propose to let out part of or all its rooms on
time-share basis will not be eligible for classification under this scheme.

6. Hotels applying for Classification must provide the following documentation:

i. Name of the Hotel

ii. Name and address of the promoter/owner with a note on their business antecedent
in not more than 60 words

iii. Complete postal address of the hotel with Telephone, Fax and Email address

iv. Status of the owner / promoter:

a) If Public/private limited company with copies of Memorandum and Articles of

Association

b) If Partnership, a copy of Partnership Deed and Certificate of Registration

c) If proprietary concern, name and address of proprietor/certificate of registration

v. Date on which the hotel became operational

vi. Details of hotel site with postal address and distance (in kms) from

Revised Oct.2011 8
 (a) Airport
(b) Railway Station
(c) City centre / downtown shopping area

7. Details of the hotel:

a) Area of Hotel site (in sq. metres) with title – owned / leased with copies of sale/
lease deed

b) Copy of Land Use Permit from local authorities

c) Star category being applied for

d) Number o f rooms and size for each type o f room i n sq. ft. (Single/ double /
suites - a ll rooms to have attached bathrooms

e) Size of bathrooms in sq.ft.

f) Air-conditioning details for guest rooms, public areas

g) Details of public areas:

i) Lobby / lounge
ii) Restaurants with no. of covers
iii) Bar
iv) Shopping area
v) Banquet / conference halls
vi) Health club
vii) Business centre
viii) S wimming pool
ix) P arking facilities (no. of vehicles which can be parked)

h) Facilities for the differently abled guests: dedicated room with attached
bathroom, designated parking, ramps, free accessibility in public areas and at least to
one restaurant, designated toilet (unisex) at the lobby level etc. All operational hotels
will require conforming to the requirements by 01.09.2010

i) Eco-friendly Practices (a) Sewage Treatment Plant (b) rain water harvesting
(c) waste management (d) pollution control method for air, water and light (e)
introduction of non CFC equipment for refrigeration and air conditioning and other
Eco- friendly measures and initiatives. All operational hotels will require conforming to
the requirements by 01.09.2010

Revised Oct.2011 9
j) Measures for energy and water conservation, water harvesting (use of CFL
lamps, solar energy, water saving devices / taps etc.)

k) Details of Fire Fighting Measures

l) Security features viz. CCTV, X-Ray check, verification of staff etc

m) The architecture of the hotel building in hilly and ecologically fragile areas should
incorporate creative architecture keeping in mind sustainability and energy
efficiency and as far as possible in conformity with local art and architecture with use of
local materials

n) Any other additional facilities

8. Copies of certificates / No Objection Certificate’s to be furnished (copies

should be current / valid and duly attested by a notary / gazetted officer):

a) Certificate / license from Municipality / Corporation to show that the establishment

is registered as a Hotel

b) No Objection Certificate from concerned Police Department to run the Hotel

c) No Objection Certificate from Municipal Health Officer / Sanitary Inspector giving

clearance to the establishment from sanitary / hygiene point of view

d) No Objection Certificate from the Fire Service Department (Local Fire Brigade
Authority)

e) Public liability insurance (optional)

f) Bar License (necessary for 4 Star, 5 Star, 5 Star Deluxe, Heritage Classic &
Heritage Grand categories)

g) Building Plans sanctioned by the competent authority and occupancy certificate

h) If classified earlier, a copy of the Classification Order issued by Ministry of

Tourism

i) For Heritage property, certificate from the local authority stating the age of the
property and showing the new and old built up areas separately

j) Clearance / NOC /approval required from any other (local) authority (viz.
‘Consent to Operate’ from the State Pollution Control Board / Ministry of
Environment & Forests etc., Coastal Regulation Zone) whichever is applicable

k) Approval / NOC from Airport Authority of India for projects located near the Airport

l) Application fee

Revised Oct.2011 10
 The above-mentioned approvals / No Objection Certificates are the responsibility
of the owner / promoter / concerned Company as the case may be. The approval of
the Ministry of Tourism is no substitute for any statutory approval and the approval
given is liable to be withdrawn without notice in case of any violations or
misrepresentation of facts

9. All applications for Classification and Re-Classification must be complete in all

respects viz. application form, application fee, prescribed clearances / NOCs /
certificates etc. Incomplete applications will not be accepted

10. Hotels will qualify for classification as Heritage Hotels provided a minimum
of 50% of the floor area was built before 1950 and no substantial change has been
made in the façade. Hotels, which have been classified/, re-classified under
Heritage categories prior to issue of these Guidelines will continue under Heritage
categories even if they were built between 1935-1950.

11. The application fees payable for classification/reclassification are as follows. The
Demand Draft may be payable to “Pay & Accounts Officer, Department of Tourism, New
Delhi”

Star Category Classification / Reclassification

fees in Rs.
1-Star 6,000
2- Star 8,000
3- Star 10,000
4- Star 15,000
5- Star 20,000
5- Star Deluxe 25,000
Heritage 15,000
(Grand, Classic, Heritage categories)

12. Upon receipt of application complete in all respects, the hotel will be inspected by a
classification committee which will be constituted as follows:

(a) For 4, 5, 5 Star Deluxe and Heritage (Basic, Classic & Grand) categories:
• Chaired by Additional Director General (Tourism), Govt. of India/ Chairperson
(HRACC) or a representative nominated by him
• Representative from FHRAI
• Representative from HAI
• Representative from IATO
• Representative from TAAI
• Principal Institute of Hotel Management
• Regional Director, Indiatourism Office / local Indiatourism office
• Member Secretary HRACC
• In case o f Heritage category, a representative of Indian Heritage Hotels
Association (IHHA)

Revised Oct.2011 11
 (The HRACC representatives / nominees of FHRAI, HAI, IATO and TAAI should
have requisite expertise and experience of the hospitality and tourism industry
(hands on experience)

(b) For 1, 2 & 3 Star hotels:

• Chairperson, Secretary (Tourism) of the concerned State Govt. or his nominee

who should not be below the rank of a Deputy Secretary to the
Government of India. In his absence the Regional Director, Indiatourism who is
also Member Secretary, Regional HRACC will chair the committee
• Regional Director, Indiatourism Office/ local Indiatourism office
• Representative from FHRAI
• Representative from HAI
• Representative from IATO
• Representative from TAAI
• Principal Institute of Hotel Management

(The HRACC representatives / nominees of FHRAI, HAI, IATO and TAAI should have
requisite expertise and experience of the hospitality and tourism industry (hands
on experience)

(c) The Chairperson and any 3 members will constitute a quorum

(d) The recommendations duly signed by the committee will be sent to HRACC
Division (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India) by next day through speed
post and the recommendation of the HRACC inspection committee will be
approved by the Chairperson (HRACC) / Addl. Director General (Tourism)
expeditiously ( Point amended w.e.f. Oct 2011).

(e) Appellate Authority: In case of any dissatisfaction with the decision of HRACC,
the hotel may appeal to Secretary (Tourism), Government of India for review and
reconsideration within 30 days of receiving the communication regarding Classification
/ Re-classification. No request will be entertained beyond this period.

13. Hotels will be classified following a two stage procedure:

a. The presence of facilities and services will be evaluated against the enclosed
checklist available at Annexure IV

b. The quality of facilities and services will be evaluated by the HRACC inspection
committee as per the prescribed parameters

14. The hotel is expected to maintain required standards at all times. The
Classification Committee may inspect a hotel at any time without previous notice.
The Committee may request that its members be accommodated overnight to inspect the
level of services

15. Any deficiencies / rectifications pointed out by the HRACC must be complied
with within the stipulated time, which has been allotted in consultation with the
hotel representatives during inspection. Failure to comply within the stipulated time will
result in rejection of the application

Revised Oct.2011 12
16. The committee may assign a Star category lower but not higher than
that applied for

17. The hotel must be able to convince the committee that they are taking
sufficient steps to conserve energy and harvest water, garbage segregation, and
disposal / recycling as per Pollution Control Board (PCB) norms and following other
Eco-friendly measures

18. For any change in the Star / Heritage category, the promoter must apply afresh
along with requisite fee

19. Any changes in the Building Plans or management of the hotel should be
informed to the HRACC, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India within 30 days otherwise
the classification will stand withdrawn / terminated. In case of change of company
name / hotel name, a copy of the fresh ‘Certificate of Incorporation’ or a copy of the
‘Resolution of the Board of Directors’ regarding the name change alongwith any other
relevant documents may be submitted

20. The minimum size of rooms and bathrooms for all categories have been specified in
the Guidelines. Hotels of 1, 2, 3 and 4 star categories availing subsidy / tax benefits /
other benefits from the Central / State Government would be subject to a Lock- in
period of 8 years so that these hotels continue to serve as budget category
hotels. Hotels would be permitted to apply for up- gradation to a higher star category after
the completion of the lock in period.

21. Applicants are requested to go through the CHECKLIST’ OF FACILITIES AND

SERVICES contained in this document while applying for Classification / Re-classification.
The checklist may be duly filled up and signed and stamped on each page which should
be submitted alongwith the application

22. The Hotel should adhere to the tenets of the Code of Conduct for “Safe &
Honourable Tourism” for which the following action would have to be taken:

(i) A signed copy of the Pledge and Undertaking of commitment towards “Safe
& Honourable Tourism” should be attached with the application. The format of the
‘Pledge & Undertaking - Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism’ are
attached at Annexure V and Annexure VI respectively

(ii) On the day a new staff member joins the Hotel, he / she would be
required to take / sign the pledge. The pledge would be incorporated in the appointment
letter / joining report of the staff

(iii) Two focal points/Nodal Officers would be nominated (i.e., from HRD, security
side etc.) at the time of applying for approval by the Hotel in the case of hotels which
have more than 25 personnel. In the case of Hotels with less than 25 personnel, one
focal point would have to be nominated

(iv) The training would be provided to the staff of the classified/approved hotel
by MOT under its Capacity Building of Service Providers (CBSP) scheme in
connection with “Safe & Honourable Tourism”. The focal points of the hotel would be

Revised Oct.2011 13
trained first within first six months of MOT approval. Subsequently, the trained focal
points in turn would impart further in – house training to the staff which would
be arranged within next six months.

(v) The Pledge of Commitment towards “Safe & Honourable Tourism” would have
to be displayed prominently in the staff areas / back areas of the Hotels / Restaurants
etc. and in the office premises of all the Head of the Departments (HODs)

(vi) The signatories of the Code of Conduct would be required to maintain a record
of action taken by them in compliance of the provisions of this para, which shall be
kept in their office & shown to the Committee (s) at the time of Classification/Re-
classification.

23. It will be mandatory for the hotel to participate in the Skill Development initiative to
meet the manpower needs of the tourism and hospitality industry. For this, the following
action would have to be taken:

(i) Classified hotel would be required to train a minimum number of persons, in every
calendar year in the short duration Skill Development Courses under ‘Hunar Se
Rozgar’ scheme as per following norms:

Rooms per 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year 4th Year 5th Year
Hotels
No. of No. of No. of No. of No. of
persons to persons to persons to persons to persons to
be trained be trained be trained be trained be trained
100+ 20 20 25 25 30
50 to 100 10 10 15 15 20
20 to 50 5 5 5 5 5

(ii) A minimum of ten persons will constitute a training class. Since a hotel with rooms
between 20 to 50 will not be expected to have facilities / infrastructure necessary for
the conduct of trainings, an arrangement can be worked out between 2 to 5 hotels
to conduct this obligatory training (only the theory part) in one cluster and the
practical part being carried out in the respective hotels.

(iii) Operational guidelines for the training programme will be circulated separately.

(iv) Each hotel would achieve the above mentioned yearly target and submit it to
Ministry of Tourism in the reclassification application so as to be considered for
reclassification.

24. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Efforts will be made to ensure
that all cases of classification are inspected within three months from the date
of application if complete in all respects and Classification Order will be issued within
30 days subsequently

******

Revised Oct.2011 14
 ANNEXURE III

FORMAT FOR ‘UNDERTAKING’

(To be on official company letterhead)

To

The Secretary (Tourism) Govt. of India

Ministry of Tourism
New Delhi

UNDERTAKING

I have read and understood all the terms and conditions mentioned above with
respect to Project Approval / Classification-Re-classification under the Star / Heritage
categories and hereby agree to abide by them. The information and documents
provided are correct and authentic to the best of my knowledge.

I understand that the Ministry’s approval is no substitute for any statutory approval and
the approval given is liable to be withdrawn in case of any
violation or misrepresentation of facts or non-compliance of directions that may be
issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, without notice.

It is to certify that the hotel would not seek upgradation to a higher category for a
period of eight (8) years in the event the hotel avails of subsidy / tax benefits / other
benefits from the Government.

In case of any dispute/ legal measure, the same may be eligible in the jurisdiction
falling under the NCT of Delhi.

Signature and name in block letters

Seal of the applicant

Place:____________

Date: ____________

Revised Oct.2011 15
 ANNEXURE IV

CHECKLIST OF FACILITIES FOR CLASSIFICATION / RE-CLASSIFICATION OF HOTELS

FACILITIES & SERVICES 1* 2* 3* 4* 5*/5*D Yes/ COMMENTS

No

GENERAL

Full time operation 7 days a N N N N N

week in season
Establishment to have all N N N N N Documents as detailed in
necessary trading licenses General Terms and
Conditions
Establishment to have public D D D D D
liability insurance
24 hr. lifts for buildings N N N N N Mandatory for all hotels.
higher than ground plus two Local laws may require a
floors relaxation of this condition.
Easy access for the
differently abled guests

Bedrooms, Bathroom, Public N N N N N

areas and kitchen fully
serviced daily
All floor surfaces clean and N N N N N Floor may be of any type
in good repair

GUEST ROOM
Minimum 10 lettable rooms, N N N N N
all rooms with outside
windows/Ventilation.

Minimum size of bedroom 120 120 140 140 200 Single occupancy rooms
excluding bathroom in sq. ft may be 20 sq ft less. Rooms
should not be less than the
specified size

Air-conditioning 25% 25% 50% 100% 100% Air-conditioning / heating

depends on climatic
conditions & architecture.
Room temp. Should be
between 20 % 28 Degr ees
C . For 4, 5 and 5 Star
Deluxe (the percentage is of
the total no. of rooms)

Revised Oct.2011 16
 A clean change of bed N N N N N Definitely required between
and bath linen daily & each Check– In. On
between check - in‘s alternate days for 1 & 2 Star
hotels

Minimum bed width for single D N N N N

90 cm and double 180 cm

Mattress thickness minimum D D N N N Coir, foam or spring foam

10 cm
Minimum bedding 2 sheets, N N N N N Blankets available in air
pillow & case, blanket, conditioned rooms as per
mattress protector / bed seasonal requirement in non
cover A/C rooms mattress
protector is desirable in 1*
and 2* and necessary for all
others

Suites N N 2% of room block with a

minimum of 1 suite room

BATHROOM

Number of rooms with All All All All All It will be mandatory w.e.f.
attached bathrooms 01.09.2010 for all 1 & 2 Star
category hotels to have
attached bathrooms. All
bathrooms to have sanitary
bin with lid

Minimum size of bathroom in 30 30 36 36 45 25% of bathroom in 1 & 2

square feet Star hotels to have western
style WC. No higher ceiling /
cap on the maximum size

1 bath towel and 1 hand N N N N N

towel to be provided per
guest
Bath mat D D N N N

Guest toiletries to be N N N N N Quality products depending

provided - minimum 1 new on the star category
soap per guest

Bottled toiletry products to be D D D N N

provided

A clothes - hook in each N N N N N

bath / shower room

Revised Oct.2011 17
 A sanitary bin N N N N N These must be covered

Each western WC toilet to N N N N N

have a seat with lid and
toilet paper

Floors and walls to have non - N N N N N

porous surfaces

Hot and cold running water N N N N N It will be mandatory

available 24 hours w.e.f. 01.09.2010 for all 1 &
2 Star category hotels to
provide hot & cold running
water

Shower cabin N N N N N Where shower cabin is not

available, a shower with
shower curtain will suffice

Bath tubs D D In 4 Star and above

hotels, some rooms should
offer this option to guests

Water saving taps - shower N N N N N

Energy saving lighting N N N N N

Hairdryers D D D N N Where not provided in

bathroom, must be available
on request

Safe keeping / in room safe N N 1, 2 & 3 Star hotels to have

facilities for safe keeping in
the reception
Minibar / Fridge N N Contents must conform to
local laws
Drinking water with N N N N N All category hotels to provide
minimum one glass tumbler one sealed bottle of
per guest branded bottled water of
minimum 500 ml. per person
per day. Ultra violet treated
water will not be acceptable

Guest Linen Good quality linen to be

provided

Shelves /drawer space N N N N N Necessary for hotels of 1, 2 &

3 Star category to have a
wardrobe

Revised Oct.2011 18
 Sufficient lighting, 1 per bed N N N N N

A 5 amp earthed power socket N N N N N

A bedside table and drawer N N N N N 1 per two twins and two for a
double bed

TV - cable if available N N N 3*, 4*, 5* and 5* Deluxe.

Must have remote

A writing surface with N N N

sufficient lighting
Chairs N N N N N Preferable one per bedding

Wardrobe with minimum 4 N N N N N In 1* & 2* these may be

clothes hangers per bedding without doors

A wastepaper basket N N N N N

Opaque curtains or screening N N N N N

at all windows
A mirror at least half length N N N N N
(3”)
A stationary folder containing D D N N N
stationery and envelopes

A ‘do not disturb’ notice N N N

Night spread / bedcover with N N N

nightly turndown service

Linen room N N N N N Well ventilated

PUBLIC AREA
Lounge or seating area in N N N N N Door man on duty. Lobby
the lobby shall have furniture and
fixtures which shall include
chairs / arm chairs, sofa,
tables and fresh floral display

Reception facility N N N N N Manned minimum 16 hours

a day. Call service 24 hrs.
Local directions to hotel
including city / street maps
to be available

Revised Oct.2011 19
 Valet (Parking) services to be D D N N N
available

Availability of room, F & B N N N N N

and other tariff
Heating and cooling to be N N Temperatures to be
provided in public areas between 20-28 degrees
Celsius
Public rest rooms for N N N N N N
ladies and gents with soap
and clean towels, a
washbasin with running hot
and cold water, a mirror, a
sanitary bin with lid in unisex
& ladies toilet

ROOM AND FACILITIES FOR THE DIFFERENTLY ABLED GUEST

At least one room for the N N N N N N Minimum door width should

differently abled guest be one meter to allow
wheel chair access with
suitable low height furniture,
low peep hole, cupboard to
have sliding doors with low
clothes hangers etc. Room
to have audible and
visible (blinking light) alarm
system

Ramps with anti-slip floors at N N N N N N To be pr o vi d e d in all public

the entrance. Minimum door areas. Free accessibility in
width should be one meter all public areas and to at
to allow wheel chair access least one restaurant in 5
Star and 5 Star Deluxe
Bathroom N N N N N N Minimum door width should
be one Meter. Bathroom to
be w h e e l chair accessible
with sliding door suitable
fixtures like low wash
basin low height WC, grab
bars etc. No bath tub
required
Public restrooms N N N N N N Unisex. Minimum door width
should be one meter. To be
wheel chair accessible with
low height urinal (24”
maximum) with grab bars

Revised Oct.2011 20
 FOOD & BEVERAGE

1 Star & 2 Star category 1 & 2 Star categories should

have minimum one dining
room serving all meals.
Room service not necessary
3 Star category One Multi-cuisine Restaurant
cum coffee shop open from
7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and 24 hr.
room service
4 Star category Grade A cities:
One Multi-cuisine Restaurant
cum coffee shop open from
7 a.m. to 11 p.m., one
Specialty Restaurant and
24 hr. room service

Grade B cities:
One Multi-cuisine
Restaurant open from 7 a.m.
to 11 p.m. and 24 hr.
room service
5 Star category Grade A cities:
One Multi cuisine Restaurant
cum 24 hr. coffee shop /
all day diner, one Specialty
Restaurant and 24 hr. room
service

Grade B cities:
One Multi cuisine Restaurant
cum coffee shop open from
7 a.m. to 11 p.m., one
Specialty restaurant and
24 hr. room service
5 Star Deluxe category Grade A cities:
One Multi cuisine Restaurant
cum 24 hr. coffee shop /
all day diner, one Specialty
restaurant and 24 hr. room
service

Grade B cities:
One Multi cuisine
Restaurant cum coffee
shop open from 7 a.m. to
11 p.m., one Specialty
restaurant and 24 hr. room
service

Revised Oct.2011 21
 Grade A: Delhi* Mumbai, Kolkata, Note The Ministry of Tourism may review and revise the
Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, cities falling under the Grade ‘A’ - Grade ‘B’ from
Hyderabad/ Secunderabad" time to time.

Grade B Cities in the rest of the country • Delhi would include the hotels falling in Gurgaon
excluding Grade ‘A’ cities" Faridabad Ghaziabad NOIDA and Greater NOIDA"
Crockery & Glassware N N N N N Plastic ware accepted in pool
area
Cutlery to be at least N N N N N All categories should use
stainless steel good quality metal cutlery.
Aluminum cutlery prohibited
Bar N N Wherever permissible by law

KITCHEN / FOOD PRODUCTION AREA

Refrigerator with deep freeze N N N N N Capacity based on size of F &
B service
Segregated storage of meat N N N N N Meat, fish and vegetables in
fish and vegetables separate freezers

Colour coded synthetic N N N N N Wooden chopping boards

chopping boards prohibited

Tiled walls non slip floors N N N N N

Head covering for production N N N N N

staff
Daily germicidal cleaning of N N N N N
floors
Good quality cooking N N N N N Use of aluminum vessels
vessels / utensils prohibited except for bakery

All food grade equipment N N N N N

containers
Drinking water N N N N N Water treated with UV +
filtration
Ventilation system N N N N N

Garbage to be segregated - N N N N N To encourage recycling

wet and dry
Wet garbage area to N N N
be air- conditioned
Receiving areas and stores N N N N N
to be clean and distinct from
garbage area

Revised Oct.2011 22
 Six monthly medical N N N N N
checks for production staff

First - aid training for all N N N N N

kitchen staff

Pest control N N N N N

STAFF

Staff uniforms for front of the N N N N N Uniforms to be clean and in

house good condition

English speaking front office D D N N N This may be relaxed

staff outside the metros / sub-
metros for 1 and 2 Star
category hotels

Percentage of Supervisory 20% 20% 40% 40% 80% Hotels of 4 Star category and
staff above should have formally
qualified Heads of
Departments.

The supervisory or the

skilled staff may have training
or skill certification as follows:

Degree / diploma from

Central or state IHM’s /
FCI’s or from NCHMCT
affiliated IHM’s or from
other reputed Hospitality
schools

Percentage of Skilled staff 20% 20% 30% 30% 60% The supervisory or the
skilled staff may have training
or skill certification as follows

Degree / diploma from

Central or state / IHM’s /
FCI’s or from NCHMCT
affiliated IHM’s or from other
reputed Hospitality schools
Skill training certificate
issued under the guidelines
and scheme of the Ministry of
Tourism

Revised Oct.2011 23
 STAFF WELFARE FACILITIES

Staff rest room D D N N N Separate for male and

female employees with bunk
beds, well lighted and
ventilated
Staff Locker Room D D N N N
Toilet facilities N N N N N Full length mirror, hand
dryer with liquid soap
dispenser
Dining area D D N N N

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SAFE & HONOURABLE TOURISM

Display of Pledge N N N N N Pledge to be displayed

prominently in the staff / back
areas / office premises of all
the Heads of Departments
(HODs)

Training for ‘Code of N N N N N At time of joining (orientation

Conduct for Safe & programme and subsequent
Honourable Tourism’ in- house training)
Maintenance of Action Taken N N N N N Signatories of the ‘Code
Report with regards to of Conduct’ to maintain
compliance of the provisions record of action taken in
of the Code compliance of the provisions
of the Code
Focal points / nodal officers N N N N N Two nodal officers to be
nominated (i.e., from HRD,
security side etc.) for hotel
with more than 25 personnel
and one focal point for Hotel
with less than 25 personnel

GUEST SERVICES
Provision of wheelchair for the N N N N N Wheel chair to be available on a
differently abled guest complimentary basis in hotels
of all categories
Valet (parking) services to be D D N N N
available

Dry- cleaning /laundry D D D D N In house for 5 star Deluxe

hotels. For 5 Star category
and below, maybe outsourced

Revised Oct.2011 24
 Iron and Iron Board N N Iron and iron board to
be made available on request
in 1 to 4 Star category hotels
on complimentary basis. For 5
and 5 Star Deluxe categories,
to be available in the room
D D N N N Guest should be able to
Paid transportation on call travel from hotel

Shoe cleaning service D D D N N Free facility to be provided

for in house guests

Ice (from drinking water) on D D N N N Complimentary on request

demand
Acceptance of common credit D D N N N
cards
Assistance with luggage on N N N N N
request
A public telephone on D D N N N There should be at least
premises. Unit charges made one telephone no higher
known than 24” from floor level in 5
and 5 Star Deluxe (to also
cater to differently abled
guests)

Wake - up call service on N N N N N

request
Messages for guests to be N N N N N A prominently displayed
recorded and delivered message board will suffice for
1 & 2 Star categories
Name Address and N N N N N Doctor on call in 3, 4, 5 & 5
telephone numbers of doctors Star Deluxe
with front desk
Stamps and mailing facilities D D N N N

Newspapers available D D D N N This may be placed in the

lounge for 1, 2 & 3 Star hotels

Access to travel desk N N N N N This need not be on the

facilities premise for 1, 2 & 3 Star
categories
Left luggage facilities D D N N N This must be in a well
secured room / 24 hour
manned area
Provision for emergency D D N N N May be chargeable
supplies toiletries / first aid kit

Revised Oct.2011 25
 Health - Fitness facilities D D D D N Indian system of treatments
should preferably be offered

Beauty Salon and Barber’s D D D

Shop
Florist D D

Utility shop / kiosk D D D N N 5 and 5Star Deluxe category

hotels to have one utility and
one souvenir shop. 4 Star
to have minimum one utility
shop

Money changing facilities D D D D D Money changing facility to be

made available

Bookshop D D D D N

SAFETY & SECURITY

Metal detectors (door frame N N N
or hand held)

CCTV at strategic locations N N N N N

X-Ray Machine N For 5 Star Deluxe category, it

would be ‘Necessary’ to have
an X-Ray Machine at the guest
entrance for screening of
baggage

Manual checks may be

conducted for staff and
suppliers at designated entry
points

Under belly scanners to N N

screen vehicles

Verification N N N N N All hotels should conduct a

verification of their staff and
suppliers by the Police /
private security agencies

Staff trained in fire fighting drill N N N N N All hotels to conduct

periodic fire drills and maintain
‘Manuals’ for Disaster
Management, First Aid and
Fire Safety. Quarterly drill or
as per Law

Revised Oct.2011 26
 Security arrangements for N N N N N
all hotel entrances

Each bedroom door fitted N N N A safety chain / wishbone

with lock and key, viewport / latch is acceptable in place of
peephole & internal securing viewport / peephole
device
Smoke detectors N N N N` N These can be battery operated

Fire and emergency N N N N N

procedure notices displayed
in room behind door

Fire and emergency alarms N N N N N

should have visual & audible
signals

First aid kit with over the N N N N N

counter medicines with front
desk

Fire Exit signs on guest N N N N N

floors with emergency /
backup power

COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
A telephone for incoming & D N N N N 4 star and above should have
outgoing calls in the room direct dialing and STD / ISD
facilities. 1,2 and 3 Star
category hotels may go
through a telephone exchange
PC available for guest D D N N N This can be a paid service.
use with internet access Upto 3 Star, PC can be in the
executive offices, Internet
subject to local access
being available

E-mail service D D N N N Subject to local internet

access being available

Fax, photocopy and printing N N N N N

service
In room internet connection / D D D N N Subject to local internet
dataport access being available. Wi - Fi
wherever possible

Revised Oct.2011 27
 Business Center D D D N N This should be a dedicated
area.
(This provision maybe relaxed
for resort destinations, tourist
and pilgrimage centres)

Swimming Pool D D N This can be relaxed for hill

destinations. Mandatory to
have trained Life Guard.
Board containing Do’s &
Don’ts, No Diving sign, pool
depth etc. should be displayed
at a strategic location in the
pool area
Parking Facilities D D N N N Should be adequate in relation
to the number of room &
banquet / convention hall
capacities. Exclusively
earmarked accessible parking
nearest to the entrance for
differently abled guests
Conference Facilities D D N

No. of people to be trained N N N N N N As per norms laid out in para

under ‘Hunar Se Rozgar’ 23 of guidelines

Note:

D Desirable

N Necessary

There is no relaxation in the ‘Necessary’ criteria except as specified in the comment column

Revised Oct.2011 28
 ANNEXURE – V

PLEDGE FOR COMMITMENT TOWARDS SAFE & HONOURABLE TOURISM AND

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM (For internal circulation and use of the hotel)

I / We solemnly pledge and reiterate our commitment to conduct our business in a

manner that befits the culture and ethos of our rich and ancient civilization, and the
tolerant and accommodating nature of our multicultural society and protects all
individuals, especially women and children from all derogatory acts which are contrary
to the spirit of our country. We hereby commit to abide by the Code of Conduct for Safe
and Honourable Tourism.

Recognizing that every earth resource is finite and fragile, I / We further pledge
to fully implement sustainable tourism practices, consistent with the best environment and
heritage protection standards, such that my/our present tourism resource
requirements optimize both local community benefit and future sustainable uses.

Signature

Name

On behalf of

In the presence of

Revised Oct.2011 29
 ANNEXURE VI

Format of ‘UNDERTAKING’ in respect of the “Pledge for Commitment towards

Safe & Honourable Tourism”

(To be on official company letterhead)

To

The Secretary (Tourism) Govt. of India

Ministry of Tourism
New Delhi

UNDERTAKING

It is to hereby confirm that I / We have read and understood the “Code of Conduct
for Safe and Honourable Tourism” adopted on 1st Oct. 2010 as per copy attached
with application with respect to Project Approval / Classification - Re-classification of
hotels under the Star / Heritage categories and hereby agree to abide by them.

That I / We have read solemnly pledge and reiterate our commitment to conduct
our business in a manner that befits the culture and ethos of our rich and
ancient civilization, and the tolerant and accommodating nature of our multicultural
society and protects all individuals, especially women and children from all derogatory
acts which are contrary to the spirit of our country. I / We hereby commit to abide by the
Code of Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism.

Recognizing that every earth resource is finite and fragile, I / We further pledge to
fully implement sustainable tourism practices, consistent with the best environment and
heritage protection standards, such that my / our present tourism resource requirements
optimize both local community benefit and future sustainable uses.

Signature
Name in ‘BLOCK LETTERS’

Seal
Place:__________

Date: __________

Revised Oct.2011 30