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How to Obtain Hotel Classification in Mexico? Sectur Opens Free Registration

Lider Empresarial USA
August 3, 2026
How to Obtain Hotel Classification in Mexico? Sectur Opens Free Registration

The Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) is encouraging lodging establishments to register for free in Mexico's Hotel Classification System to enhance competitiveness and tourist decision-making.

The Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) has reinforced its call for the country’s lodging establishments to obtain or maintain their registration in Mexico’s Hotel Classification System, a free mechanism that identifies the level of services and facilities of each hotel through a category scheme. The strategy aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the Mexican hotel sector, facilitate decision-making for national and international tourists, and offer greater visibility to establishments that meet certain quality standards. The Secretary of Tourism for the Government of Mexico, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, highlighted that the Hotel Classification System allows each establishment to clearly showcase its strengths and the experience it offers its guests. “Each hotel has an identity, a story, and services that distinguish it. The Hotel Classification System is an opportunity to display these strengths clearly and reliably,” stated the official.

What is the Hotel Classification System in Mexico?

The Hotel Classification System is an official mechanism administered by the

through which lodging establishments conduct a digital self-assessment to identify the characteristics of their facilities, infrastructure, and services. Based on this information, the system determines a score that translates into a category represented by stars, although there is also the option to register under the “No category” modality, in accordance with current regulations. In addition to a visual distinction, the scheme aims to standardize quality criteria within the national hotel industry and provide clearer information for consumers. From a business perspective, the program represents a commercial positioning tool, as it allows for more precise communication of the establishment’s value proposition to travel agencies, reservation platforms, and potential clients. It also drives continuous improvement, as hotels identify strengths and areas for improvement during the process to elevate their service level.

How to Obtain Hotel Classification in Mexico? Step-by-Step

Interested hotels can complete the process entirely online and at no cost. To do so, they must meet some prerequisites and follow a digital process.

Requirements to Register

Before starting the procedure, it is essential to have:

  • A valid registration in the National Tourism Registry (RNT).
  • A username and password to access the system.
  • Updated information on the establishment’s facilities and services.
  • Photographic evidence of the property. Once these elements are gathered, the hotel can access the Hotel Classification System.

Steps to Obtain Classification

The procedure involves the following stages:

  • Log in to the official portal using the assigned username and password.
  • Select the modality that best describes the establishment.
  • Choose the type of classification: either “No category” or participate in the evaluation to obtain stars.
  • Respond to the digital questionnaire with information related to infrastructure, equipment, and services.
  • Upload photographic evidence to support the information provided.
  • Submit the application for processing.
  • Receive the assigned category, which is notified immediately via the registered email address. Subsequently, the General Directorate of Tourism Certification will issue the Hotel Classification Certificate within a maximum of ten business days. This document is valid for two years.

Types of Hotels Covered by the Hotel Classification System in Mexico

During the registration process, each establishment selects the modality that best represents its operations. Among the available options are:

  • Boutique hotel.
  • Business hotel.
  • Beach hotel.
  • Hacienda hotel.
  • Full-service hotel.
  • Limited-service hotel.
  • All-inclusive hotel.
  • Other modalities provided by the Ministry of Tourism. This classification allows for the evaluation of each establishment based on criteria aligned with its tourism vocation and the type of experience it offers visitors.

The Importance of the National Tourism Registry

One of the primary requirements to access the Hotel Classification System is to maintain a valid registration in the National Tourism Registry (RNT). The RNT serves as the official catalog of tourism service providers in the country and allows the authorities to have up-to-date information on companies in the sector. For lodging establishments, maintaining their registration is an indispensable condition for accessing various institutional programs and official certification mechanisms. Consequently, Sectur recommends periodically verifying the validity of the registration to avoid setbacks during the classification process.

Mandatory Renewal Every Two Years

Hotel Classification is not permanent. The Ministry of Tourism reminded that the certificate is valid for two years, requiring establishments to renew the procedure to keep their facility and service information updated. This mechanism reflects changes resulting from renovations, expansions, the incorporation of new services, or operational improvements made during that period. This way, the information available to travelers remains current and continues to be a reliable reference when choosing accommodation.

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