The Nizhny Novgorod region was recognized as one of the leading regions in implementing the hotel and hotel classification reform.

      The Minister of Economic Development of Russia, Maxim Reshetnikov, and the State Secretary Deputy Minister, Alexei Khersontsev, held a meeting with regional representatives on the pace of completing the classification of accommodation facilities, during which the Nizhny Novgorod region was named among the leading regions in implementing the classification reform.

      "We thank these regions for their prompt work. Their experience shows that close cooperation with businesses accelerates and makes the reform more effective," said Maxim Reshetnikov.

      Key innovations from January 1 this year include the introduction of mandatory classification for new types of tourist accommodation and the division of the classification process into two stages. Now, not only hotels but also campgrounds, holiday bases, including glamping sites, are subject to classification.

      To operate legally, all owners of accommodation facilities must complete the first stage — self-assessment. The result of the self-assessment is the inclusion in the register of classified accommodation facilities, published on the Rosakkreditatsiya website. The inclusion procedure is simple: owners enter information about their properties themselves. This is a mandatory step for legal service provision. From March 1, regions are monitoring compliance with this requirement. If an accommodation service is provided by a facility that is not included in the register, a notice is issued requiring the owner to undertake self-assessment. Failure to comply may result in a fine.

      Hotels or sanatoriums offering higher quality services can proceed to the second stage — obtaining a category ("stars"). For this, they need to contact an accredited organization via their personal account in the registry.

      "The reform aims to give tourists more choices and ensure fair competition for businesses," emphasized Maxim Reshetnikov.

      As the Ministry of Tourism and Crafts of the Nizhny Novgorod region reported, site monitoring is used to combat illegal accommodation. The region has already issued 54 warnings.

      The reform is scheduled to be completed by September 1, 2025, after which all facilities that have not completed self-assessment will be automatically suspended from the registry and will be unable to sell services on booking aggregator sites. Starting September 6, fines will also be imposed for absence in the registry and for providing false information on aggregators.

      "It is important for us that by September 1, our accommodation facilities complete the self-assessment. We provide consulting to hoteliers and help resolve all arising issues. Accurate information is the foundation of tourists' trust and the key to successful industry development. Only through joint efforts can we ensure high service levels and attract even more guests to the region," said Sergey Yakovlev, Minister of Tourism and Crafts of the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      Let us remind you that the development of tourism in Russia is a key goal of the national project "Tourism and Hospitality." It has been implemented nationwide since 2025 at the initiative of Russian President Vladimir Putin and includes infrastructure development, equipment manufacturing, staff training, promotion of travel within Russia, as well as ensuring high-quality service and safe, convenient travel.