Star-rating system adopted.

STAR-RATING SYSTEM ADOPTED. Tourism Co. unveiled the island's first ranking system to evaluate the performance of 130 unflagged hospitality properties representing nearly 8,000 rooms in Puerto Rico, reports Caribbean Business (June 22, 2004). "The classification system will provide guidelines for tourists concerning the availability of services and amenities on local hospitality properties," said Executive Director Jose Suarez. "It will prevent guests having false expectations and help to minimize the surprise element once they arrive." Tourism Co. granted consulting firm Canadian Diamond Hospitality a contract worth US$225,000 a year to conduct the inspections, which will be performed by experts in the field. Inspectors stay at properties at least one night without revealing the purpose of their visits. Diamond began inspecting 130 properties, including local paradors that are neither endorsed by the Tourism Co. nor flagged under any hotel chain.