Socotec tasked to classify
hospitality establishments

Ministry of Tourism

replaces Bureau Veritas

A decision issued by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) this month has resulted in Socotec Liban being assigned the task of classifying hospitality establishments. Bureau Veritas was previously responsible for accreditation programs.

The task includes the ongoing classification and certification of hotels, restaurants, and furnished residences to specific criteria.

Roland Marie, General Manager of Socotoc Liban, said: “The Ministry of Tourism had previously assigned our company to classify and certify Jeitta Grotto, and to raise safety levels. Our success in this mission was behind the Ministry awarding us the national contract.”

Socotec Liban will be updating and modernizing the classification criteria of hospitality establishments according to international standards. Certifications are granted based on the results of inspections performed by the company.

“Hospitality establishments can resort to the company to upgrade their standards after inspection and gain certification,” said Marie.

The service fees are set by the MoT and start at $800, increasing to $1,200 per year.

Accreditation awarded by Socotec is acknowledged worldwide. “It will provide assurances to visitors that they are staying in accredited venues,” said Marie

Certifications are renewable on a yearly basis.