What is ISO 18513?

ISO 18513 is officially titled:

“Tourism services — Hotels and other types of tourism accommodation — Terminology”

This standard defines a uniform set of terms and definitions related to:

  1. Types of tourism accommodations (e.g., hotel, hostel, bed & breakfast)
  2. Hospitality services and facilities
  3. Service levels and operational functions
  4. Guest interaction and support services

ISO 18513 serves as a communication and reference tool for hotel operators, tourism authorities, booking platforms, government bodies, and consumers to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Why is ISO 18513 important?

In the international tourism sector, inconsistent terminology can lead to:

  1. Misunderstandings between service providers and travelers
  2. False expectations regarding accommodation and service quality
  3. Disputes or negative reviews from mismatched experiences
  4. Regulatory gaps and issues in certification or classification

ISO 18513 helps to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, providing a consistent vocabulary that supports fairness, clarity, and global alignment in the hospitality industry.

What are the benefits of ISO 18513?

Adopting ISO 18513 delivers the following benefits:

  1. Global Consistency: Standardized language across countries and platforms
  2. Clear Communication: Helps guests and service providers understand offerings accurately
  3. Improved Service Design: Guides development of facilities and service descriptions
  4. Supports Certification & Classification: Provides the foundation for consistent star ratings or service levels
  5. Better Consumer Experience: Aligns expectations and increases satisfaction


What kind of businesses can benefit from ISO 18513?

Implementing ISO 18513 within your organization or platform results in:

  1. Enhanced Guest Satisfaction

          Accurate descriptions of services and accommodations help prevent complaints and build trust.

  1. Improved Marketing Transparency

          Use internationally recognized terminology to attract global tourists and partners.

  1. Competitive Differentiation

          Stand out by committing to global hospitality standards.

  1. Support for Digital Integration

            Essential for listing accommodations on global booking platforms like Booking.com or Expedia.

  1. Regulatory and Classification Alignment

          Assist with national and international certification programs (e.g., star ratings, eco-labels).

  1. Training and Operations Efficiency

           Streamline internal communication and training using standardized terms and definitions.


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