Brief Description

The “key” rating of non-hotel/camping tourist accommodation (rented furnished rooms/apartments-RFRA) assigns a quality rating to each type of hospitality facility, depending on their services and technical specifications. Any accommodation that wishes and elects to be placed in one of five key categories must meet certain mandatory specifications established by current law and accumulate the necessary number of points required for inclusion in a particular category, based on optional graded criteria. 

Detailed Description

The legislative framework for RFRA accommodation facilities into key categories sets out a procedure with defined steps, time lines and strict specifications.

The competent authority for issuing RFRA Classification Certificates is the Regional Tourism Services (RTS) in each accommodation’s locality.

RTSs also issue Classification Certificates through accredited inspection bodies, which undertake to inspect and assess facilities before they are classified into key categories. After conducting on-site inspections at the RFRA accommodation facilities, these Bodies, such as TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas, prepare a Technical Report and submit it to the local relevant RTS.

The Body documents its recommendation to the local RTS on issuing a Classification Certificate for the accommodation through the Certificate of Conformity it issues.

The RFRA classification system includes the mandatory technical and operational specifications and the rated criteria applying to facilities, equipment and logistical infrastructure, amenities and services.

RFRAs are classified into one of five key categories, with the highest rating being 5 keys and the lowest being 1 key.

What is the certification procedure?

1. An application of notification is filed (https://notifybusiness.gov.gr) in cases where notice is required (e.g. new facility, upgrade, amended capacity, etc.)
2. Application is made to the local RTS for issue of Classification Certificate for the key rating system
3. Request for Expression of Interest submitted to TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas by the RFRA accommodation asking for an offer (form attached)
4. TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas sends offer to the RFRA accommodation, which then accepts the offer and enters into a contract with TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas
5. Accommodation sends TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas the self-evaluation and gathers all required supporting documents based on criteria selected during self-evaluation
6. – Set date for inspection and assign inspecton
   – Have TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas perform an on-site inspection, collect all the required documentation and identify potential non-compliance areas.
7. – Upon completion of on-site inspection, lead inspector drafts the Technical Report
   – Implementation by accommodation of any corrective actions in relation to non-compliance areas; lead inspector sends all documentation to TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas
8. The final Technical Report and Certificate of Conformity submitted by the accommodation to the local RTS for subsequent issue of the Classification Certificate, which is retained by the business
9. Issue of the Classification Certificate by the local RTS; RFRA business retains the certificate on file

DEADLINES

• Within 10 days of receiving notice, the accommodation applies to the local RTO for issue of the Classification Certificate
• Within 30 days from the date the Classification Certificate application is submitted, TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas conducts an on-site inspection and issues a Technical Report and a Certificate of Conformity
• Within 20 days of receiving the Technical Report and the Certificate of Conformity, the local RTO issues the Classification Certificate

Who is it addressed to?

The keyrating procedure applies to all Rented Furnished Rooms/Apartments, whether they are newly established or existing ones that wish to renew, amend or upgrade their current Special Operational Seal/Notice.

What are the benefits of certification?

Despite the fact that this is a legislative requirement, certification has become necessary for any business or professional aiming at a better future for themselves and, by extension, the country itself. This procedure:

• serves as proof of the quality of the products and services offered
• boosts travellers’ sense of trust in terms of the facility meeting the agreed requirements, pursuant to the legislation in force
• helps to attract new customers and forge new partnerships
• is a valuable resource in the effort to improve the business climate and create equal competition conditions with the rest of the European countries which have been applying similar procedures and frameworks for years now and have a considerable competitive edge in the eyes of travellers
• is a potential tool for improving and upgrading services, since it gives Greek tourism industry entrepreneurs the ability to better organise, renew, modernise and improve their services. In reality, it means improved quality, greater security, ensuring quality infrastructure, less bureaucracy, more transparency, and thus providing all the necessary guarantees for sustainable growth.

Choosing TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas for the rating of tourism accommodation facilities, in line with the legislative provisions in force:

• places the business key categories with the accountability, impartiality and prestige of our organisation
• adds value to a tourism undertaking through the credibility and strength that is reflected by our brand name
• allows for the use of the Evaluation Mark, which indicates the distinction, stature and quality of the assessment process
• offers integrated, one-stop shop solutions to tourism enterprises, as it provides accredited inspection, certification and training services to fully meet their needs and safeguard their activities

Who do I contact about certification?

Head of Tourism Business Certification Department: Theano (Nonika) Baka +30 210 5220920 (Ext. 2006), +30 6949113999

Customer Service Department, Contact Person: Anna Topaltziki +30 210 5220920 (Ext. 2064)