PROFESSIONAL SELF-REGULATION AND HARMONISED HOTEL CLASSIFICATION AS INSTRUMENTS FOR IMPROVING TOURISM SERVICE QUALITY MANAGEMENT: THE EXPERIENCE OF GERMANY AND IMPLICATIONS FOR UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

This study examines Germany’s voluntary hotel classification system, coordinated by DEHOGA and the Hotelstars Union, and assesses its relevance to tourism service quality management in Uzbekistan. Qualitative comparative, documentary, and institutional analyses are based on the Hotelstars Union criteria for 2025– 2030, official German materials, international standards, and Uzbekistan’s legislation. Germany’s system combines professional participation, harmonised criteria, independent on-site verification, three-year renewal, and market incentives. The catalogue of 239 criteria incorporates digital and sustainability-related requirements, although voluntary participation limits sector-wide coverage. Uzbekistan already provides for mandatory certification and voluntary classification, making selective institutional adaptation more appropriate than direct transplantation. An integrated three-level governance model is proposed, comprising mandatory compliance assurance, voluntary harmonised classification, and continuous service performance monitoring, with clearly differentiated responsibilities for public authorities, professional associations, and independent assessors. The proposed model can contribute to institutional coordination, the improvement of classification methodologies, independent assessment, and transparent digital quality monitoring.