Summer 2008

Largest Independent Hotel Consortium Endorses Green Tourism Business Scheme


Best Western, which includes over 280 hotels, has given its commitment to endorse the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) in a bid to encourage member hotels to improve carbon footprints, cut energy waste and promote sustainability.

Summer 2007

Fire Safety

The Fire Safety law changed in October 2006. This will affect every accommodation provider in Britain.  The biggest impact of this is for those not previously affected by the old legislation such as self catering properties and small guest houses or B&B operations.

Smoking Ban in England

From July 1st there will be a ban on smoking in all confined public spaces, which will affect many tourism businesses. 

New Code of Practice launched for Attractions

VisitBritain has launched a new initiative to encourage England’s 6,000 visitor attractions to sign up to a new national Code of Practice.

Quality Rose Toolkit now available

The new Quality Rose Toolkit is now available on DVD. It contains our Quality ratings and logos, together with clear explanations of ratings and the use of designators in destination guides and websites.

Spring 2007

New spa scheme launched

The National Spa Accreditation Scheme was launched at the Professional Spa Show in London on February 22nd 2007.

Familes Welcome and Welcome Pets! speciality schemes launched

Two new schemes have been introduced to help accommodation providers highlight their ability to accommodate consumers who bring either their pets or families with them on holiday.

Access Statements

From April 2007 you will be required to prepare an Access Statement, as part of your quality grading assessment with VisitBritain.

Quality Coast Award

VisitBritain have been supporting ENCAMS in their endeavours to launch their new Quality Coast Award.

Autumn 2007

New Fire Safety Regulations

The biggest review of fire regulations in England were launched in October 2006, which affects all accommodation providers.