Bed and Breakfast standard supports good and affordable local accommodation

Aug 06, 2017 Features / Columnists, Standards in Focus

Bed and breakfast accommodation providers have a lot to gain from the implementation of the Bed and Breakfast standard, as they work to satisfy the accommodation needs of many foreigners visiting Guyana for their summer vacation. Homeowners implementing the requirements of this National Standard can also benefit from significant business opportunities and revenues throughout the year, especially from those seeking the most affordable means of accommodation.
The Bed and Breakfast standard specifies the minimum requirements for bed and breakfast facilities operating in Guyana and was formulated to improve the quality of services offered by local providers of such accommodation.
Minimum requirements for three categories of facilities, A, B and C category are contained in the standard. For bread and breakfast facilities to be considered as Category A, they must include self-contained double or single bedroom accommodation with an air condition unit, television and other basic amenities including telephone, access to a mini refrigerator and comfortable functioning furniture, in a quiet and attractive setting.
In addition, the standard states that private access to rooms is preferable and hot water, hot and cold shower, fresh clean linens and breakfast shall be provided. Lunch, dinner or any other meals could be arranged on request at an additional cost.
Requirements for facilities falling under Categories B and C are similar to Category A with a few exclusions in descending order. Therefore, meeting the requirements for these categories will be easier for the homeowner, and at the same time, the basic expectations of visitors will be met.
The standard also addresses minimum requirements for rooms, which include sufficient size for freedom of movement, privacy, requirements for beds and sheet coverings and other furniture requirements. Electrical installation, fire safety, hygiene and pest control are also addressed by the standard.
The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) provides guidance and monitoring of facilities endeavouring to meet the requirements outlined in this national standard. The Authority promotes facilities, which are registered and inspected according to the available requirements.
Providing quality service and comfortable accommodation to all categories of tourists and other visitors to our country must remain on the front burner to encourage revisits. Adhering to the requirements of the Bed and breakfast facilities standard would certainly support entrepreneurs and operators in the tourism industry as they strive to improve their services and meet the accommodation needs of visitors.
For further information on this subject, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065 or 219-0064 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org

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