All hotels in Mauritius are to be subjected to a new classification project announced by the country's government as part of a package of measures to boost tourism development.

The proposal, confirmed by the office of the deputy prime minister and minister of finance, will be implemented by a steering committee set up by the Mauritian ministry of tourism.

It is anticipated the Hotel Classification Project will promote an "orderly development" of the accommodation sector throughout Mauritius and sustain the country's tourism appeal.

The ministry of tourism's steering committee has been handed a series of main objectives, which includes consultation with foreign partners, tour operators and sector organisations.

It will also gather feedback from "friendly countries" in which similar schemes have been established, while also working with a "maximum number" of industry stakeholders.

A government spokesperson said: "The aim of the hotel classification program is to bring tourism back to basics by ensuring that standards of facilities, amenities and services are consistently improved in the accommodation sector in Mauritius.

"While it is duly recognised and appreciated that many establishments in Mauritius invest significantly in their product improvements and strive to offer the best of facilities and services to visitors, it is also true that a few are undermining the reputation of the destination by offering substandard facilities and services and even providing misleading information."

Details: www.gov.mu

Image: Centara Poste Lafayette Resort and Spa in Mauritius