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FAQ |
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 What is the CITQ?
How do you recognize a classified establishment?
Is classification mandatory?
Why is classification mandatory?
Why are bed and breakfast establishments represented by suns?
Why is an inn sometimes represented by suns and sometimes by stars?
How is it that some hotels call themselves "couette et café" or "bed & breakfast" even when they are not?
How can I get my establishment classified?
Is the CITQ part of
the Ministère du Tourisme?
What is the CITQ?
The CITQ is a non-profit organization mandated to conduct the official mandatory classification of all establishments in the seven
classes described in the Regulation respecting tourist accommodation establishments. This regulation was adopted pursuant to the Act respecting tourist accommodation establishments, adopted in June 2000 and which came into force on December 1, 2001. The CITQ is managed by a Board of Directors made up of representatives of all the
classes it oversees; a staff of some fifteen salaried employees applies the Board’s decisions.
How do you recognize a classified establishment?
All classified establishments must display a classification sign, the official symbol of departmental classification, at their main entrance. It is also an excellent visual reference
Is classification mandatory?
Yes. This classification replaces the operator’s permits that operators formerly had to obtain. The Act respecting tourist accommodation establishments, adopted in June 2000, makes it mandatory for all establishment operators covered by the Act to have a classification certificate and to display a classification sign in a conspicuous place.
Why is classification mandatory?
Mandatory classification was introduced at the request of the accommodation industry. It is part of concerted and extensive efforts to strengthen and promote the industry. The program contributes to enhancing Quebec’s tourism facilities, while ensuring healthy competition among operators and protecting consumers’ right to objective information on available accommodation. The classification of accommodation is one of the visible assets of Quebec’s tourist industry, and it is important to establish rules to preserve it.
Classification also has many benefits. By consulting the classification guides, operators can develop their product to suit their target clientele. The annual
Accommodation in Québec directory is an attractive promotional tool for establishments, too.
Classification helps to protect the public, through objective and appropriate information on available accommodation in Quebec. Now all tourist accommodation establishments in Quebec will be visited by a classifier every two years. The classification program also helps to make sure that establishments are safe, both in terms of fire safety and cleanliness and with regard to the amount of civil liability insurance they are required to hold. Classifiers also make sure that there are adequate sanitary and hygienic facilities.
Why are bed and breakfast establishments represented by suns?
This was the preference of bed & breakfast establishment operators. They could just as easily have chosen stars, like the other
classes.
Why is an inn sometimes represented by suns and sometimes by stars?
The designation “inn” is not defined in the Regulation respecting tourist accommodation establishments. It is not a reserved term. If the inn meets the criteria defined for hotel establishments, it will be classified using that grid; if, on the other hand, the inn corresponds more closely to the criteria defined for bed & breakfast establishments, it will be classified with that grid. The important thing for travellers is that the establishment has been classified.
How is it that some hotels call themselves "couette et café" or "bed & breakfast" even when they are not?
These names are commercial descriptions or advertising terms. Under the Act respecting tourist accommodation establishments, a “bed & breakfast establishment” is a private residence and its outbuildings that the owners or occupants operate as an accommodation establishment that rents a maximum of 5 rooms, with breakfast served on the premises and included in the rental price. The term “couette et café” is more an advertising term and does not correspond to the criteria in the classification guide for bed & breakfast establishments.
How can I get my establishment classified?
First, you must contact Tourisme Québec to open a case file. The CITQ will then be informed that a new case file has been opened and will contact you. For a new establishment, the CITQ must conduct the initial classification within one month after the case file is opened. Afterwards, establishments are inspected once every two years (four years for educational institutions), or more frequently if the operator requests it. Please see
Application for classification above for more information.
Is the CITQ part of the
Ministère du Tourisme?
No. The CITQ is a non-profit organization mandated by the Minister of
Tourism to conduct official mandatory classifications of seven of the nine
classes of establishments covered by the Act respecting tourist accommodation establishments. It is managed by a Board of Directors made up of representatives of Quebec’s associations of accommodation establishment operators. While the CITQ works closely with
the Ministère du Tourisme, its employees are not Quebec public servants. |
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