The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia has published a draft of new rules governing accommodations across the country, with the proposal made public on September 12.
The initiative would apply to hotels, sanatoriums, campsites, and other types of lodging facilities.
Under the draft rules, hotels would be required to clearly explain the conditions of non-refundable bookings, including what happens if a guest cancels.
In addition, the guidelines would specify how refunds should be handled in cases where a cancellation occurs due to circumstances beyond the guest’s control. If a hotel cannot provide the reserved room, it must offer guests an alternative accommodation option.
The proposal also calls for accommodation contracts to include details on whether a guest can choose between refundable and non-refundable reservations. More mandatory information would need to be disclosed upfront to customers, ensuring clearer terms for bookings.
Sanatoriums and campsites would also be affected. These facilities would need to maintain valid classifications, and contracts would be required to state the registration numbers along with the terms of reservations.
The draft rules also outline standardized check-in and check-out procedures for all accommodation types, according to First Tulsky.
This includes provisions for biometric check-in and stipulates that the time gap between check-out and the next check-in should not exceed three hours. Rules for early arrivals and late departures are also set to be formalized.
For operators in the outdoor hospitality industry, the proposal signals a push toward uniformity and greater transparency in guest relations.
Campsite and holiday park owners may need to prepare for additional compliance measures, such as updating contracts to meet the new disclosure requirements and ensuring valid classification records.
While the changes are still in draft form, they indicate a shift toward tighter regulation of booking processes and customer communication, which could require adjustments to existing reservation and check-in systems.
If adopted, these rules could influence not only how properties communicate with guests but also how they handle cancellations, refunds, and operational procedures.
For business owners, preparing early for potential compliance will be key to maintaining competitiveness and avoiding disruptions once the regulations are finalized.
