Hotels urged to lose Fawlty image

Some UK hotels need to raise their game, officials say

Hotels have been urged to shed their "Fawlty Towers" image ahead of the 2012 Olympics in London.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) wants more establishments to be recognised in the national star-grading system.

Just 53% of hotels in the UK have a star grading, and the figure falls to 34% for accommodation in London.

The DCMS said hotels need to improve standards to make the most of revenue generated by the Games.

Analysts at Oxford Economics have forecast that the London Olympics could be worth an extra £1.2bn to the UK.

A further £1.27bn could be generated between 2013 and 2017.

'Reap potential'

The DCMS said it wants to see fewer hotels like the one in TV comedy "Fawlty Towers and more like the Brighton Grand".

Tourism Minister Margaret Hodge said "the UK has some of the best hotels in the world. But only half carry a star grading.

"If the tourist industry is going to reap the potential £2.1bn from London hosting the 2012 games, 85% of hotels must be accredited by 2012."

A recent report from hotel chain Travelodge suggested that the UK's tourist industry could be given a £3bn boost by the London Olympics.

A market worth £14.2 billion today would rise to £24 billion in 2016 creating 75,000 more tourism jobs for the economy, it concluded.