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KembaraXtra – Travel Terms: accommodation categorization systems
This entry directs the reader to accommodation grading systems, where quality assessment frameworks are explained in detail.
This entry directs the reader to accommodation grading systems, where quality assessment frameworks are explained in detail.
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KembaraXtra – Travel Terms: accommodation centre
This term has two meanings. First, it can describe a location similar to a tourist information centre where accommodation bookings are handled. Second, in less common usage, it reflects the International Standards Organization (1989) Interprofessional Vocabulary of Tourism and Leisure definition: “a collective lodging open during holiday periods for long or short stays,” derived from the French foyer d’accueil.
This term has two meanings. First, it can describe a location similar to a tourist information centre where accommodation bookings are handled. Second, in less common usage, it reflects the International Standards Organization (1989) Interprofessional Vocabulary of Tourism and Leisure definition: “a collective lodging open during holiday periods for long or short stays,” derived from the French foyer d’accueil.
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KembaraXtra – Travel Terms: accommodation classification
This entry directs the reader to accommodation grading systems, which explain structured classification approaches.
This entry directs the reader to accommodation grading systems, which explain structured classification approaches.
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KembaraXtra – Travel Terms: accommodation grading systems
These are official or commercial schemes designed to indicate the quality of accommodation according to predetermined standards, allowing visitors to understand what level of service and facilities to expect. The 2003 CEN/European Standard defines such systems as those providing an assessment of quality standards and services of tourist accommodation, typically within five categories, often symbolized by one to five icons or stars. These systems may be operated by international, national, or regional authorities; tourist boards; trade associations; guide publishers; tour operators; or accommodation owners themselves. Most grading systems combine three types of assessment: factual statements about facilities and buildings; quantitative measurements such as room sizes, numbers, and sometimes prices; and qualitative judgments regarding service quality. In some countries, participation in official grading systems is not compulsory, meaning that an ungraded property is not necessarily of poor quality.
The entry explains academic distinctions proposed by Burkart and Medlik in Tourism: categorization separates accommodation by type (for example, hotels, motels, guest houses, pensions), while classification separates accommodation based on physical features such as the presence of bathrooms or toilets. The term grading is suggested to be reserved for objectively verifiable service features (such as meal provision or night porter availability), while more subjective elements like cuisine or atmosphere require qualitative assessment.
In Europe, the Michelin Guide is highlighted as a well-known reference, while in the UK the AA and RAC guides have traditionally been influential. In March 2004, the Britain Review Group reached agreement on common standards involving the national tourist boards (VisitBritain, VisitScotland, and the Wales Tourist Board), along with the AA and RAC. These standards were endorsed by the British Hospitality Association, Regional Development Agencies, Tourist Boards, the Local Government Association, and other government bodies, with more than 90% of British group hotels participating.
In the United States, accommodation ratings are not government-driven. The Mobil Travel Guide star system (now the Forbes Travel Guide) and the AAA diamond-rating system are the two principal schemes, with the AAA system covering more than 32,000 properties in North America and the Caribbean.
The entry further explains how grading criteria differ by country. In France, room size is critical for higher ratings, while in Austria, soundproofing of all floors is required for four-star status. In the UK, the modern system assesses cleanliness, service, comfort, and facilities, with annual inspections by trained assessors. The unified British system now applies across hotels, guest houses, caravan parks, and campsites.
English hotels are rated from one to five stars, with detailed descriptions of each level. One-star hotels provide practical accommodation with limited facilities; two-star hotels offer greater comfort and private facilities; three-star hotels feature higher service standards and larger public areas; four-star hotels provide high-quality facilities, spacious layouts, and 24-hour room service; and five-star hotels represent luxury accommodation with exceptional service and international standards. A Red Star, awarded separately by the AA, identifies hotels ranked among the top 200 in the country.
These are official or commercial schemes designed to indicate the quality of accommodation according to predetermined standards, allowing visitors to understand what level of service and facilities to expect. The 2003 CEN/European Standard defines such systems as those providing an assessment of quality standards and services of tourist accommodation, typically within five categories, often symbolized by one to five icons or stars. These systems may be operated by international, national, or regional authorities; tourist boards; trade associations; guide publishers; tour operators; or accommodation owners themselves. Most grading systems combine three types of assessment: factual statements about facilities and buildings; quantitative measurements such as room sizes, numbers, and sometimes prices; and qualitative judgments regarding service quality. In some countries, participation in official grading systems is not compulsory, meaning that an ungraded property is not necessarily of poor quality.
The entry explains academic distinctions proposed by Burkart and Medlik in Tourism: categorization separates accommodation by type (for example, hotels, motels, guest houses, pensions), while classification separates accommodation based on physical features such as the presence of bathrooms or toilets. The term grading is suggested to be reserved for objectively verifiable service features (such as meal provision or night porter availability), while more subjective elements like cuisine or atmosphere require qualitative assessment.
In Europe, the Michelin Guide is highlighted as a well-known reference, while in the UK the AA and RAC guides have traditionally been influential. In March 2004, the Britain Review Group reached agreement on common standards involving the national tourist boards (VisitBritain, VisitScotland, and the Wales Tourist Board), along with the AA and RAC. These standards were endorsed by the British Hospitality Association, Regional Development Agencies, Tourist Boards, the Local Government Association, and other government bodies, with more than 90% of British group hotels participating.
In the United States, accommodation ratings are not government-driven. The Mobil Travel Guide star system (now the Forbes Travel Guide) and the AAA diamond-rating system are the two principal schemes, with the AAA system covering more than 32,000 properties in North America and the Caribbean.
The entry further explains how grading criteria differ by country. In France, room size is critical for higher ratings, while in Austria, soundproofing of all floors is required for four-star status. In the UK, the modern system assesses cleanliness, service, comfort, and facilities, with annual inspections by trained assessors. The unified British system now applies across hotels, guest houses, caravan parks, and campsites.
English hotels are rated from one to five stars, with detailed descriptions of each level. One-star hotels provide practical accommodation with limited facilities; two-star hotels offer greater comfort and private facilities; three-star hotels feature higher service standards and larger public areas; four-star hotels provide high-quality facilities, spacious layouts, and 24-hour room service; and five-star hotels represent luxury accommodation with exceptional service and international standards. A Red Star, awarded separately by the AA, identifies hotels ranked among the top 200 in the country.
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KembaraXtra – Travel Terms: accommodation ladder
This refers to the gangway used for boarding or disembarking from a ship, often fitted with handrails and ladder-style steps. Because these can be difficult or unsafe for elderly or infirm passengers, their use has declined. The entry directs readers to Jacob’s ladder.
This refers to the gangway used for boarding or disembarking from a ship, often fitted with handrails and ladder-style steps. Because these can be difficult or unsafe for elderly or infirm passengers, their use has declined. The entry directs readers to Jacob’s ladder.
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KembaraXtra – Travel Terms: A
In car rental terminology, the letter A indicates an automatic-transmission vehicle (one that does not use manual gear levers). In nautical usage, A can also mean aft, referring to the rear part of a vessel.
In car rental terminology, the letter A indicates an automatic-transmission vehicle (one that does not use manual gear levers). In nautical usage, A can also mean aft, referring to the rear part of a vessel.
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KembaraXtra – Travel Terms: à la carte
In food service, à la carte describes a menu where customers may choose freely and pay for each item separately, which contrasts with table d’hôte (also called a set meal) where a limited-choice fixed menu is sold at a single inclusive price. In the tour operating context, à la carte refers to an Independent Inclusive Tour (IIT) planned according to a customer’s specific preferences; in the UK this is often called a tailor-made arrangement, and it contrasts with a package tour, which bundles set flights and accommodation (typically a hotel) into one pre-arranged product.
In food service, à la carte describes a menu where customers may choose freely and pay for each item separately, which contrasts with table d’hôte (also called a set meal) where a limited-choice fixed menu is sold at a single inclusive price. In the tour operating context, à la carte refers to an Independent Inclusive Tour (IIT) planned according to a customer’s specific preferences; in the UK this is often called a tailor-made arrangement, and it contrasts with a package tour, which bundles set flights and accommodation (typically a hotel) into one pre-arranged product.
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KembaraXtra – Travel Terms: à la carte bar
This term refers to a bar where drinks are not included and are instead paid for individually, which is the same concept as a cash bar.
This term refers to a bar where drinks are not included and are instead paid for individually, which is the same concept as a cash bar.
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KembaraXtra – Travel Terms: A to Z
Travel Agents System This is the name of a UK travel agents’ computerized data and accounting system developed by Digital Computer System Limited, introduced in August 1984.
Travel Agents System This is the name of a UK travel agents’ computerized data and accounting system developed by Digital Computer System Limited, introduced in August 1984.
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KembaraXtra – Travel Terms: AA
This abbreviation may mean: (1) Aerolineas Argentinas; (2) “Always afloat” (a shipping term); (3) American Airlines (see AAdvantage); (4) Apparent altitude (aviation/navigation); or (5) The Automobile Association (UK), the world’s largest motoring organization, providing roadside repair, vehicle recovery, and related services, with more information available at its websit
This abbreviation may mean: (1) Aerolineas Argentinas; (2) “Always afloat” (a shipping term); (3) American Airlines (see AAdvantage); (4) Apparent altitude (aviation/navigation); or (5) The Automobile Association (UK), the world’s largest motoring organization, providing roadside repair, vehicle recovery, and related services, with more information available at its websit
