A new mandatory classification system for hospitality venues is set to transform the tourism industry in Krasnodar Krai, Russia. The federal initiative named “Hospitality” aims to unify the registration and classification of all accommodation types, including hotels, sanatoriums, recreation centers, and campgrounds, starting from January 1, 2025.
According to Inn Petukhova, the Deputy Minister of Resorts, Tourism, and Olympic Heritage for Krasnodar Krai, the reform is part of amendments to the law governing tourism activities within the country. The health of the hospitality sector has long been under scrutiny, and this new structure is expected to address quality concerns effectively. "The system, regulated by amendments to the law on the basics of tourism activities, will be introduced step by step starting from 2025," Petukhova stated.
The classification will be based on two stages: self-assessment and expert evaluation. During the first stage, accommodations will assess their services using specific criteria on the Federal Service for Accreditation’s website, detailing aspects like technical equipment and room features. The systematic breakdown of accommodations allows guests to have clearer expectations and enjoy greater confidence concerning their stay.
Petukhova emphasized the focus on improving not only the overall quality of services but also the offerings available for families and individuals with limited mobility. She noted, "This will make the classification procedure absolutely transparent and understandable, and will contribute to improving the quality of services and ensuring guests' confidence, as all declared conditions will be guaranteed." This change is poised to encourage establishments to upgrade their services and amenities to meet classification standards.
Hotel and sanatorium operators will have to undergo formal classification following their self-assessments through specialized organizations to receive ratings from one to five stars. Notably, the system previously known as “without stars” has been eliminated; recreation centers and campgrounds are not required to obtain this classification.
For existing hospitality establishments already registered, they will automatically transition to this new system if they possess current classification certificates. More than 3,000 such venues exist across Krasnodar Krai. All accredited organizations must complete their self-assessment by September 1, 2025, to maintain their classification status. Failure to meet this deadline could result in the suspension of their operating privileges, preventing them from accepting new clients or advertising their services. "The self-assessment stage must be completed by September 1, 2025; otherwise, the classification will be suspended, and hotels cannot accept new clients," the press service cautioned.
Importantly, the classification system will not just stop at accommodations; it will also cover beaches and ski slopes, ensuring consistent quality across various tourism sectors. With tourists often struggling to verify the credibility of their chosen accommodations, the new registry will simplify this process, allowing guests to validate operational legitimacy through posted registration numbers at entrances and on official websites.
Petukhova urged operators of campgrounds—which previously fell outside the scope of such regulation—to submit their data by March 2025. This move ensures all types of tourist facilities are accounted for within the new classification system.
Finally, the new federal classification system aims to boost the tourism industry by equipping it with means to standardize and improve service quality, ensuring all guests can expect transparency and dependability from their chosen accommodation. The Krasnodar Krai administration remains committed to implementing these changes, confident they will transform the local hospitality scene.