The Council of Ministers on Thursday approved a decision establishing new categories and requirements for tourist accommodation facilities, introducing stricter rules for resort developments.

Under the new rules, tourism facilities must account for at least 60% of a project’s total construction area, while residential units cannot exceed 40%. The calculation will also include shared spaces, allocated proportionally according to their use.

Project documentation must clearly distinguish between tourism and residential areas, as well as shared facilities and their allocation. The relevant area schedules and calculations must be signed by the responsible designer and the developer.

The decision also introduces a preliminary certification requirement. However, this certificate does not replace a construction permit or grant the right to build. Any project changes affecting its category, functional division or the 60%-40% ratio must first receive an updated certificate.

Tourist accommodation facilities will be classified into categories including guesthouses, hostels, campsites, hotels, motels, resorts, wellness centres, bed and breakfasts, apart-hotels, cultural heritage accommodation facilities and mixed resorts.

The new rules also address apartments, villas and rooms intended for tourist accommodation. In new developments, these units will be included in the tourism component of a resort and managed collectively under its certification. Residential units outside such developments cannot be offered as tourist accommodation unless they become part of a project meeting the legal requirements for the resort category.

Following the completion of a mixed resort development, only its tourism component will undergo accommodation categorisation and classification. Residential units will remain outside the accommodation facility unless their designated use changes to tourist accommodation in accordance with the law.

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports will oversee implementation. The decision will enter into force upon publication in the Official Gazette.

/a.c/