‘Boutique Hotel’ Certification Now Available in Greece

By Nikos Krinis

Greek accommodations that fulfill the requirements of being designated as “boutique hotels” can receive certification and a special seal through a new platform launched by the  Hellenic Chamber of Hotels.

Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura and Hellenic Chamber of Hotels Yiorgos Tsakiris.

“Tourism needs product definition and specifications to meet the highly demanding international competition,” the chamber’s president, Yiorgos Tsakiris, said during a media briefing on Tuesday, adding that the certification of boutique hotels comes to boost the quality of Greek tourism and defend licensed hotels against unfair domestic and international competition.

According to Tsakiris, the voluntary label is a means of distinguishing and promoting hotels that offer a unique experience to their guests.

The chamber’s members can immediately begin the certification process through a new online platform and receive boutique hotel designation, considering that they fulfill the necessary criteria.

During the platform’s presentation it was underlined that the basic requirements for a unit to receive the “Boutique Hotel” seal is to have up to 60 rooms and be a 3-, 4- or 5-star establishment. The evaluation of a “boutique hotel” is carried out in four phases through an interactive online process.

Hoteliers interested in obtaining the “Boutique Hotel” seal must also ascertain that their accommodation units follow the concept of a boutique hotel in regards to the style of its premises, its architectural design and decoration.

Dr. Aimilia Vlami, Special Scientific Consultant to the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, presenting the chamber’s new “Boutique Hotel” certification process.

The certification of boutique hotels follows earlier initiatives of the chamber to upgrade the hospitality sector and includes the launch of a new hotel classification system (stars and keys) and the Greek Breakfast project.

Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura attended the presentation of the new “Boutique Hotel” seal for Greek hotels and underlined that the ministry supports all efforts that enhance the country’s tourism product and help private businesses offer high quality services.

Greek hoteliers interested in receiving the “Boutique Hotel” seal can find instructions for the certification process, here.