The new rules for entry and exit came into effect this Tuesday (16th) (check-in and checkout) of guests in Brazilian hotels. The change, promoted by the Ministry of Tourism (MTur)defines that the daily rate covers 24 hours, within which hotels have three hours to clean the rooms.
The rule allows hotels to set their own opening hours. check-in and checkout within these criteria, and this information must be communicated to the guest clearly and in advance, both by hotels and tourism agencies and intermediary digital reservation platforms.
The measure was modified through a MTur ordinance published in Septemberwith a period of 90 days to come into effect.
According to the president of the Brazilian Hotel Industry Association, Manoel Linhares, the practice was already adopted by hotel chains, but there was a request from the sector for the matter to be regulated and included in the latest changes promoted in the General Tourism Law.
“There is a three-hour break between guest departures and arrivals, so that our employees have time to prepare the accommodation and so that we can welcome you better. This is already customary in Brazil, but, with the exact regulations, it serves to resolve any doubts”, he explains.
In addition to the three-hour break for cleaning the accommodation, the regulation also makes the charging of different rates for early entry or delayed departure more flexible and details communication about schedules and frequency of housekeeping, hygiene and cleaning services in the housing unit.
Through a note, the Brazilian Association of Travel Agencies (Abav), which brings together travel agencies and operators, positively evaluated the regulation of the topic.
“The objective definition of the accommodation period helps to align traveler expectations at the time of purchase and reduces noise in the marketing of tourist packages, bringing more security to the entire chain”, he highlights.
In addition to greater transparency, the flexibility regarding differentiated rates allows adjustments according to the availability of each accommodation method, according to the Abav note.
“Although adaptation may require adjustments, especially for small businesses, the entity understands that the measure follows practices already adopted internationally and contributes to the modernization and competitiveness of Brazilian tourism”, he concludes.
Guest Registration
The changes promoted by MTur also include the adoption of the new digital model of the National Guest Registration Form (FNRH)replacing the paper model. The ordinance dealing with the matter was published in Novemberwith a period of 90 days to come into effect on February 13th.
With the adoption of the new tool, establishments will have a QR Codewith link to the pre-check-inwhich can be filled out by guests. Upon entry, the establishment will only need to check the data with the documents presented.
“It remains check-in calmer, both for the hotel industry and for the guest who, upon arrival, has already come from a tiring flight and, sometimes, takes a group and stands in a queue waiting to fill out a form, that whole thing”, says Manoel Linhares.
The digital version of the form will also be available on the FNRH Digital Platform, with other features, such as preparing analytical reports, a reservation module and a consultation module for guests.
Demands
According to Manoel Linhares, the changes are important regulations for the sector, but There are still demands to be included in the laws that deal with tourism in the country, such as the regulation of accommodation applications, such as those that rent properties on a seasonal basis.
“We, hoteliers, generate jobs and have a very high tax burden, as everyone knows. We have a responsibility to give the best to our guests, from the check-in to the checkout. And what happens? These applications are not even located in Brazil, so the operation is uneven”, he assesses.
The demand is oldbut With the emergence of different platforms and the impact felt by the sector, ABIH’s assessment is urgent.
“In Fortaleza alone, from last year to now, six hotels have closed. If we don’t have this demand, many hotels will close, as they are already closing throughout Brazil”, concludes Linhares.
The report from Brazil Agency contacted MTur’s advisors about the regulation of platforms for seasonal property rentals. Until publication, there was no response. The space remains open.
