Issues with classification and categorization of accommodation in Poland and in the EU

Hospitality services market is one of the fundamental branches of tourist economy. In the era of globalization that is characterized by striving to homogenization and unification, lack of standardized categorization system of accommodation facilities in Europe and in the world is surprising. Therefore, an analysis of existing categorization systems in different countries and EU regulations is necessary. Results of the research show that the hotel industry appreciates the need for classification of accommodation facilities and aspires to work out a standardized system. Hotelstars Union is an association that proposed their own classification system that allows to accurately inform customers about the standard of the facility, leading to an increase in the transparency of the whole industry. Hotelstars Union system has been implemented in 15 European countries and it has the potential to solve the issues regarding the subjectivity of evaluation of the accommodation facilities and services they provide. Therefore,  instead of updating and correcting the out-dated Polish system, it makes sense to join the HU system and become an active member to ensure that the needs of Polish hoteliers and consumers are taken into account.