Quality Grading

VisitBritain National Quality Grading Schemes

Why Quality?
A VisitEngland star rating is the official and independent endorsement and customers will be reassured when they see the Quality Rose.

Who can participate?
All types of accommodation providers can participate in the schemes: from bed and breakfast to hotels; from boats to hostels; from holiday parks to campuses; and now also alternative accommodation. There is a wide range of Quality in Tourism schemes tailored to meet each style of accommodation.

The benefits of participation?
• Eligibility to participate in local destination accommodation guides and regional marketing campaigns.
• Unlimited use of your quality rating in all your promotional activity and use of the internationally recognised Quality Rose Marque.
• All new applicants receive a free single faced external display sign.
• Access to reader offers and press editorials provided by VisitBritain.
• Assessment carried out by experienced industry professionals with clear verbal and written feedback of the findings.
For more information contact Quality in Tourism on
0845 300 6996 or email qualityintourism@uk.g4s.com

Dorset Approved Visitor Accommodation Scheme
This scheme aims to give the visitors reassurance that the accommodation meets all legal requirements and offers an acceptable level of cleanliness and comfort. It consists of a short inspection primarily focused on health and safety factors as required by the law and basic good practices for a professional business.

The scheme is accredited by VisitEngland and the criteria agreed by them to conform to other schemes run across the country; assessments, which will take approximately 1-1.5 hours depending on the size of the business, will be undertaken by Quality in Tourism, VisitEngland’s assessment service contractor. This grading will still allow you to take part in local destination accommodation guides and regional marketing campaigns.

The annual participation fee for most businesses does work out less expensive than the full National Quality Grading Scheme. Fees for 2013/14 can be downloaded here: Dorset Fees 13-14

For further details please contact Quality in Tourism on 0845 300 6996 or email qualityintourism@uk.g4s.com

AA Hotel Services
AA Hotel Services have been recommending accommodation since 1908 and using star ratings since 1912, recognising and rewarding establishments for the quality and range of their services and facilities.
Our Quality Standards have evolved over the years to reflect consumer expectations within the industry,and to ensure our ratings and awards are accurate, constent and reliable. Through discussion and consultation, the AA now shares these standards with the three National Tourist Boards ensuring consistancy with every accommodation rating scheme in the UK.
The benefits of participation?
• Free listing in the relevant best-selling lifestyle guide
• Free page on the Hotel Services Section of the AA.com
• Access to training and consultancy workshops
• Free Best Practice Forum audit
• Free Best Practice Forum 'Excellence Through People'starter pack
• Great deals on a range of business support services

AA Hotel Services
14th Floor, Fanum House
Basing View
Basingstoke
RG21 4EA
Telephone: (01256) 844455
Fax: (01256) 491647
Email: customer.services@theaa.com

AA Pennant Ratings Scheme
Caravan parks and campsites are inspected and rated using a one to five black Pennant rating. This is an assessment of various factors including customer care and hospitality, toilet facilities and park landscaping, based on the inspector's experienced opinion. The percentage score runs from 50% to 100%, and indicates the relative quality of parks with the same number of pennants. The Pennant ratings increase with the quality and variety of facilities a park offers. The top level is classified as a Five Pennant Premier Park, with a merit score.

The AA Pennant rating is only based on the touring pitches and the facilities at campsites and caravan parks. AA inspectors do not visit or report on rented static caravans or chalets.

Holiday centres
Holiday Centre is the term used to distinguish a park that caters for all holiday needs. Anyone staying on one of these parks will have no need to go elsewhere for meals or entertainment. Holiday Centres provide:
• a wide range of onsite sports, leisure and recreational facilities
• supervision and security of a very high level
• a choice of eating outlets
• touring facilities of equal importance to statics
• a maximum density of 30 pitches per acre
• clubhouse with entertainment provided
• automatic laundry

Holiday Centres also receive a percentage score between 50% and 100% to differentiate quality levels within this grading. Like the Pennant rating, this percentage is reassessed annually.
For more information, contact:

Lifestyle Guides
13th Floor, Fanum House
Basing View
Basingstoke
RG21 4EA
Or email: lifestyleguides@theAA.com

New AA Self Catering scheme
The AA have now developed criteria for the assessment of properties in the Self Catering Accommodation sector. These have been designed to set achievable and measurable standards, benefiting both visitors and accommodation providers. It will ensure that a consistant standard is implemented and maintained throughout the industry. The AA is offering its Self Catering recognition scheme across the UK.

AA Hotel Services on 01256 844455 or email hotelservicescustomersupport@theaa.com

Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS) & Place of Interest Quality Assurance Scheme (PIQAS)
VAQAS was launched nationally in 2001. It is a consumer focused quality assessment service for all types of visitor attractions. It helps to identify strengths of an attraction and highlights development areas based on industry examples. A wide range of attractions of all sizes, both large and small, throughout England have benefited from participation in the service.
Also new for 2010, Place of Interest Quality Assurance scheme (PIQAS) available, which offers a consumer focused quality assessment, helping to identify strengths and highlight development areas.

To apply to join VAQAS or PIQAS, simply request an application pack by contacting 020 7578 1451, or email vaqas@visitengland.org.