Problems of transition to the mandatory classification of hotels in Russia

For many years, Russia has used a voluntary system of classification of hotels and other means of accommodation, which, taking into account of the world's positive experience in the organization of the hotel business and the introduction of standards, allowed to tighten the quality of hotel services in domestic hotels. The article presents the main stages of development of the Russian state system of classification of hotels and other means of accommodation since the Soviet period. The article presents a brief description of the current regulatory framework for the classification of hotels. The assignment of categories to hotels has acquired a mass character only with the introduction of mandatory classification in the Olympic Sochi by 2014 and the cities of the world Cup 2018. This approach revealed a number of shortcomings of the existing system, but in general, the experience is recognized as successful, which contributes to the development of the classification system in Russia and allows bringing it to a new stage - to the mandatory classification. The author characterizes the main stages on the way to the transition to the mandatory classification of hotels, analyzes the features of the new draft regulations on the classification of hotels. The article identifies a number of problems. Structural and functional changes at the level of ministries in charge of regulation of tourism activities in early 2019 led to a "legal vacuum" in the hospitality industry, when the classification procedure is suspended for an indefinite period, and the responsibility for the absence of the assigned category of hotels is not legally removed. The article highlights other problems of classification at the present stage, associated with the transition to the norms of mandatory classification of hotels in Russia. In conclusion, it is necessary to finalize the proposed options for a new provision on the mandatory classification of hotels.