Review of the reform of classification of accommodation in France
An initial review indicates that classification is being adopted by an increasing number
of tourism professionals. By the end of 2012, 68% of hotels and 77% of total bed capacity
were classified. In terms of camping sites, the shares were 65% of establishments and
77% of bed capacity, respectively. Accommodation establishments which opted to go for
quality and to adjust to the new classification standards are experiencing higher
occupancy rates than others. Between 2011 and 2012, hotel occupancy in terms of
overnight stays increased by 1.1% in cases where the new classification had been adopted
and fell by 2.9% where it had not. For camping sites, 2012 was characterised by a rather
gloomy summer, but the drop in the occupancy rate was only -0.6% compared to 2011 in
the case of establishments which had adopted the classification and -2.8% where they had
not. In terms of both growth and its effects on quality, the reform of the classification of
accommodation can be hailed as a success.