Eurogites minimum international quality standards

Equipment

• Buildings are of the traditional regional style, integrated in the surrounding environment – matching the local architectural tradition and with appropriate use of materials and decorations.

• Decorations are in traditional style, typical of the region/country.
• Decorations are made from natural materials (wood, metal, wool, etc.) and adequate in rural setting.
• Decorations strengthen the overall image of the establishment and are coordinated with furnishings in style, material, colour.
• Decorations are functional, they do not represent danger to health and safety.

• Buildings are well-maintained with attention to paintwork, details like window frames, doors, etc. Paintwork should not be peeling, chipped or cracked. The buildings look clean, including windows.
• All parts of the buildings function well, e.g., doors and windows open and close without extra effort, stairs are equipped with hand rails, any repair works are finished.

Traditional / authentic equipment and appliances, such as: door locks, sanitary equipment and taps, mirror frames, lamps, ...

• Rooms are clean – there is no dust on furniture and fittings (especially surfaces above eye level and the floor under furniture), surfaces are well polished and free from stains. Windows are clean.
• Rooms are tidy – no litter.
• No evidence of the host personal belongings in guest rooms.
• The rooms are well aired and fresh, there are no bad smells, e.g., from smoking, kitchen, etc.

• 10 m2 (rooms / B&B)
• 8 m2 (self-catering)
• The layout allows for free movement around furniture

• 15 m2 (rooms / B&B)
• 12 m2 (self-catering)
• The layout allows for free movement around furniture.

• +3 m2
• The layout allows for free movement around furniture.

• Bedside table or shelf with lamp is provided for each person.
• One chair per person is provided in bedroom.
• Wardrobe is provided containing shelf and hanging space with hangers for guest clothes adequate to bedroom capacity.

Sgl 90 / 190
Dbl. 150 / 190

• Free from creaks, should not rock or tilt. Base, legs and headboard stable, sound.
• Spring mattress – clean, without stains or smells, in good repair. It should not sag, or be torn, or compressed or with lumps. The mattress should be comfortable for sleeping.

• Floor space adequate for the number of guests, to the size and style of the establishment, and the number of rooms and location. Enough space around furniture for free movement and moving comfort.

• At least one opening window with clear glass for natural lighting and ventilation. The surface size of the window should be at least 1/10 of floor space to ensure adequate lighting.

The lighting levels in all rooms adequate for guest comfort and safety.

• Shower, WC, wash-basin, storage space, mirror. WC in separate room is recommended.
• Floor space in bathroom/shower room is at least 3 sq. m. The room layout allows for easy access and use of all installations.
• Shower cabin (closing and opening well) or a fixed shower with shower curtain.
• The size of shower is at least 80×80 cm.
• WC: toilet seat is lidded, clean, especially the underside surface. Te unit is not stained.
• Wash-basin: If toilet facility is separate from bathroom/shower room, it is recommended to provide a wash basin with running water, soap and hand towel.
• Storage space: suitable and clean shelving for toiletries. Shelves at standing height in baths with showers over, and in showers. Towel rail is convenient for the basin and the bath or shower.
• Mirror above the wash basin equipped with lights, the razor point within easy reach of the mirror and wash basin.
• The doors are lockable with a key or bolt.
• No proprietor’s personal belongings in the facilities which are designated only for guests use.
• No any signs of dirt and grease build up on wall and tile surfaces, basins, bath/showers and toilets. No unpleasant odours.
• Waste bin in bathroom and toilet (if separate), covered and the lid is functioning, lined with sani bags and if spare sani bags are provided.
• Clean and washable bath mat.
• Toilet brush and holder are clean and in working order.

• WC in separate room is recommended.
• The doors are lockable with a key or bolt.
• No proprietor’s personal belongings in the facilities which are designated only for guests use.
• No any signs of dirt and grease build up on wall and tile surfaces, basins, bath/showers and toilets. No unpleasant odours.

• Shower cabin (closing and opening well) or a fixed shower with shower curtain.
• The size of shower is at least 80×80 cm.
• Clean and washable bath mat.

• Toilet seat is lidded, clean, especially the underside surface. Te unit is not stained.
• Toilet brush and holder are clean and in working order.

Wash-basin: If toilet facility is separate from bathroom/shower room, it is recommended to provide a wash basin with running water, soap and hand towel

Storage space: suitable and clean shelving for toiletries. Shelves at standing height in baths with showers over, and in showers. Towel rail is convenient for the basin and the bath or shower.

Mirror above the wash basin equipped with lights, the razor point within easy reach of the mirror and wash basin.

Waste bin in bathroom and toilet (if separate), covered and the lid is functioning, with bin liners (plus spare bags).

One complete bathroom facility per every 2 rooms / 4 clients; en-suite recommended for B&B/rooms

• Pressure sufficient, without interruptions.
• Drainage works well – if the water does not stand in bath/shower/basin.

• Pressure sufficient, enough capacity for all clients without interruptions.
• Hot water is available to guests constantly – especially in mornings and evenings.

• Central heating, electrical heaters or floor heating
• Heating is thermostatically controlled, the thermostat is functioning.

• Sufficient natural ventilation.
• If air conditioning is provided, it must be in working order.

RT Surroundings

• Situated in the countryside, in a village, or in a small town (< 5000 inhabitants in the village/town, or in very typical/traditional quarters).
• Evident characteristic of traditional farming, agriculture, or high nature values (Nature Park or similar. “Traditional farming“ excludes predominance of industrial farming).
• Tourism is not the main or dominant activity or source of income in the closer area (Relation “tourist beds / inhabitants” should not exceed = 1 / 1)

• Good conservation of environment, quiet and “peaceful” setting, no noise or pollution (Smell and noise resulting from traditional farming are acceptable)

Setting and environment: attractive surroundings, views, landscaped territory, nature parks, etc.

• Connection with the local community and traditional culture.
• Integration of the activity into the surrounding community, guests have possibility to get in contact with the local reality if they want.
• Local products and gastronomy available in the surroundings.
• Culture events and information (folklore, crafts, traditions, heritage available in the surroundings )

• Good state of environmental conservation – no noticeable pollution in soil, waters and air, high biological diversity, natural landscapes.

Cooperation with local community in service provision (use of local food, craft services, staff, local guides, etc.)

Develop tourist services respecting local cultural and social traditions

The opinion and interests of the local community and its representatives are consulted and integrated in the planning and development of touristic activities and services.

• Environmental protection measures implemented (e.g., waste sorting, water economy measures, energy saving bulbs, alternative energy sources, ecologically approved materials for cleaning and maintenance, energy saving home appliances, packaging of food and other supplies).
• Information about environment-friendly behaviour available for guests (e.g., Green behaviour codes).

Services at the accommodation and in surroundings (<15 km)

• Availability recommended (not necessarily done the owner)

• Food service is not required, but recommended for rooms/B&B.
• Food products home- grown/home-made or bought from the local suppliers (neighbouring farms).
• Local/regional/national recipes used.
• Organic food offered (certified food products).
• Vegetarian dishes constantly available on the menu.
• Special menu for children available.

• If meals are not provided on site, catering places (pubs, restaurants, etc.) offering local gastronomy are in the vicinity.

• Not required. Environment friendly activities encouraged.

A choice of environment friendly activity facilities in the surroundings, e.g., nature trails, cycling or walking routes, boating routes, sport grounds, swimming pool, local excursions, etc.

• Sufficient signposting from the main road up to the house, possible to see in the dark
• Clear name plate in good technical condition attached to the house

• Good access by normal private car
• GPS coordinates available

• Breakfast service (B&B) or cooking facilities (self-catering) provided.

• Tourist information provided on the area, facilities and services in the vicinity (leaflets, folders, maps).
• Information updated and truthful (price lists, timetables, etc.).
• Information provided in target market languages.

• Instructions about in-house regulations (e.g., smoking policy, waste sorting, water and energy saving, etc.).
• Instructions for use of equipment and facilities (e.g., sauna safety regulations).

Personal attention, privacy, and ambience at the RT accommodation

• Providers can present training course certificates attended within the last 3 years (e.g., customer care, RT marketing, language courses).
• Service staff skilled in direct communication and on the phone.

• Meeting guests upon arrival, explaining about facilities, services available.

• Providers / service staff have good local knowledge – attractions in the surroundings, traditions, history, legends, etc.

• Guests receive information how and where to find hosts if required.
• Hosts ready to assist with the guest needs during their stay.

• Hosts/service staff speak at least one foreign language, either of the main foreign target market, or English by default.

• Photo album, description of the history of the place in public areas, accessible to guests.
• A guest book in a place where guests can easily notice it.

• Guest quarters are not used by host family
• No host personal belongings in guest rooms
• Visual privacy (e.g., curtains, blinds, shutters)
• Adequate sound insulation.
• Guest bedrooms can be locked from inside and outside and the lock is in functioning order.
• Guests receive a bedroom key while staying in the establishment.

RT security

• Provider can present a valid civil liability insurance policy.

• Provider can present a document issued by the fire authorities and confirming the compliance of the buildings with the official fire safety requirements.
• Printed information on how to act in case of emergency (e.g., fire, accidents, etc.)
• Printed information on how to summon assistance in case of emergency – where to find the hosts, phone numbers of the first aid, fire brigade, police, etc.
• Provider has a first aid box with appropriate contents for giving the first aid.

• The rural tourism establishment is registered with the state authorities as required by the national legislation.

• All equipment and installations, accessible to guests in the establishment and its surrounding territory, are in working order and safe in use. This must be checked and documented at fixed intervals (at least at each change of guests, additionally once per week, etc.)

Complete first-aid box

•Provider can present a document issued by the health authorities and confirming the compliance of the establishment with the official health and hygiene requirements.

• Comprehensive information about health services in 15 minutes reach, available on request before booking; in any case, available at the accommodation during the stay

• Third-party guarantee is involved (association, certification body, etc.)
• Updated and truthful information in printed materials and web sites (type of accommodation, services, prices, in-house policies regarding smoking, pets, clear written description how to reach the establishment by car/public transportation, booking conditions are clearly explained,

• Statutory requirements observed
• Customer Satisfaction Sheet (can also be online)

General booking conditions must exist and be published for consultation before reservation

Written confirmation of booking, conditions, and specification of contracted service

• Provider has a registry of the booking details to avoid overbookings, misunderstandings and complaints.
• Providers issue a valid payment document upon request to customers.

• Updated price list of all available services exposed in guest areas.