ADTA holds workshop on hotel operation and management regulations

Representatives of over 20 hotels and hotel management companies in Abu Dhabi attended the event held at Millennium Hotel.

The three-hour discussion identified the key categories for tourism facilities, standards for hotel operators, bank guarantees, licensing documents, operator list, operation terms, fines and penalties posed on hotels, management and operation contract templates, among others.

Expected to be approved shortly, the draft regulation consists of 17 articles covering all regulations necessary for entities and individuals to manage and operate hotels in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, in accordance to the objectives and purposes outlined by Law (7) for 2004 under which ADTA was created. Once enacted, the regulation gives a maximum grace period of one year to Abu Dhabi-based operators to comply their operations in line with the regulations prescribed.

Mr. Nasser Al Reyami, Director - Licensing and Classification Division, ADTA said: "The HOMS draft represents a cutting-edge in the evolution of Abu Dhabi's hospitality sector, and complements previously enacted regulations and laws. When enacted, the regulation has the potential to take the industry to the next level of world-class standards."

He added: "The draft reflects the need of hospitality industry to implement well-recognized international standards to improve the quality of Abu Dhabi tourism product, in line with the fast expansion of this growing industry."

Hanan Al-Qennah, Legal Counsel, ADTA conducted a detailed presentation of all legal aspects of the proposed regulations. "ADTA has taken to consideration the common interests of all stakeholders in the hospitality sector. The draft covers the legal sides of the partnership between ADTA and the private sector, with special emphasis on hotels."

She also pointed out that all feedback, comments and queries by hotel representatives will be taken into account when finalizing the regulation. Similar workshops and seminars will be organized to give stakeholders the opportunity to provide their comments and suggestions prior to the issuance of final draft.

The workshop was marked by elaborate discussions about the articles of the draft. Hotel representatives showed interest in the addition of new articles that are relevant to hotel operations and the professional and legal terms regulating their relation with ADTA, which is responsible for implementing tourism regulations and laws. All participants applauded the need for the law.