In recognition of IH&RA sensitivities concerning the inclusion of accommodation and catering in the scope of TC228 he gave assurances that ISO would not seek to impose any standards on the hospitality industry that were not wanted by operators. TC 228’s work had been brought to a virtual standstill by the ongoing debate over the inclusion or exclusion of hospitality services in its scope of work. Alan Bryden was in favour of maintaining the scope as originally outlined and of restricting work to items where there is known support among stakeholders.

Ghassan Aïdi in turn explained firmly that IH&RA was opposed to international standards leading to international classification. As a body representing developed, developing and emerging countries, the Association supported national and regional standards which were sought by the industry in those countries. IH&RA’s role was to assist countries wishing to improve their national product to do so by providing advice and Guidelines, specifically on introducing and implementing a national hotel classification scheme.

It seems that now ISO did fully understand our position and we would like to thank Mr Mounir ben Milad from Tunisian Hotels Association who is Vice president of this commission for his fully support to our ideas.