10.8.2007

Hilton Sofia loses its stars

Hilton Hotel Sofia lost its case against the National Tourism Agency, which refused to award stars to the hotel, saying it did not meet the basic criteria for luxury class hotels. The Supreme Administrative Court denied the appeal of the hotels owner. The court took away the stars despite amendments to the categorisation act, which came into effect several months ago. The amendments, which came into effect several months ago, were in favour of luxury establishments and the hotel should pass the new criteria. However, Hilton's disagreements with the National Tourism Agency predated the amendments.

“The court's decision is right as far as it is based on the old act,” said Anelia Kruskova, the agency's chair. She added that the hotel could apply for categorisation anew, and the procedure will follow the amended act.