Less than 10% of Ukrainian hotels have officially attained star ratings, according to Iryna Sidletska, president of the Ukrainian Hotel and Resort Association (UH3RA). In an interview with Interfax-Ukraine, Sidletska pointed out that this low certification rate reflects significant challenges within the Ukrainian hospitality sector in meeting international standards.
Industry experts suggest that the lack of certification could hinder the country’s ability to attract foreign tourists, who often rely on star ratings to make travel decisions. However, the Ukrainian government has acknowledged the issue and is working on initiatives to support hotel owners in upgrading their facilities to meet the required standards.
While some progress has been made, industry leaders emphasize that the full implementation of the star rating system will require sustained efforts from both the public and private sectors. They also highlight the potential economic benefits of a standardized rating system, including increased tourist spending and better market visibility for Ukrainian hotels.
Analysts note that the certification process involves stringent criteria related to infrastructure, services, and overall guest experience. Ukrainian hotel owners face additional challenges due to the ongoing conflict in the country, which has disrupted operations and limited investment in facility upgrades.
Despite these obstacles, there is optimism within the industry that with continued government support and investment, the certification of Ukrainian hotels could see a significant increase in the coming years. Industry leaders are also calling for international partnerships and expertise to help streamline the certification process and ensure compliance with global standards.