International system of certification of hotel services in Russia: problematic of implementation and development prospects

Abstract

The object of this research is the “Hotel Industry and Hospitality”, while the subject is the international system of certification of hotel services. The article reviews the evolution of hotel industry in Russia and the application of such tools as standardization, certification, and compliance evaluation from the perspective of quality improvement.  Current trends and approaches towards the problems of certification of hotel services with consideration of the international and regional aspects are described. The authors explore the types of certification of hotel services in the Russian Federation and their peculiarities, key characteristics and tools that allow analyzing, systematizing, controlling, improving and adapting the quality standards of rendered services. The author elucidates the primary causes of low interest of the hotels in certification; outlines the prospects for the development of international system of certification of hotel services in Russia. The conclusion is made that despite the worldwide fame and popularity of hotel services certification system, including ISO standards, the prospects for implementation and advancement of the current system in the Russian hotel industry are not too encouraging due to multiple reasons discusses in the article. However, it would not be fair to deny the clear benefits of such certification. Therefore, taking into consideration the desire of hotel business and state standardization and certification authorities to establish a harmonious system of rendering hotel services of such level and quality of service that would not only meet the demands of visitors, but also promote the domestic tourism market on the international platforms of tourism industry, presses the need for popularization of certification system, as well as full state support of the business that would maintain high standards of rendered services in the international certification systems.