The National Quality Assessment Standards (NQAS), formerly operated by the English Tourism Council (ETC) for accommodation providers and attractions in England, has, since the merger of the ETC and British Tourist Authority in April 2003, been operated by the Quality department in VisitBritain and from 1 April 2005 administered by Quality in Tourism in Broadway, Worcestershire.
With the introduction of common standards in England, Scotland and Wales for Self-Catering, Serviced and Hostel accommodation (Camping and Caravan Parks are already assessed to common standards), ratings for all types of accommodation in England will be represented by Stars.
Because of this and to direct potential guests to more information and booking opportunities via the www.enjoyengland.com website, the signs and stickers that are available to participants of the quality assessment schemes in England will be updated from January 2006.
- The current quality rose (red and white rose on a blue background) has be retained and the enjoyengland.com website address appears above the rose on the signs and stickers.
- The Signs brochure has been redesigned to reflect the changes to the signs and stickers
- All print produced by Quality in Tourism have been produced with the new quality rose
- The artwork pack, re-designed as the Quality Rose Toolkit (in electronic form), and bromides have been amended to show these changes
- Updated electronic logos are available
- Quality in Tourism have been issued with a full set of electronic logos and have received the new artwork packs.
- These are available for distribution to Local Authorities and all producers of accommodation print, websites and guides.
From January 2006 the updated design will be included with confirmation of ratings sent to participants following the assessment visit.
Sign Replacements
VisitBritain will replace signs for existing scheme participants on a like-for-like basis, free of charge. This will be completed over a three-year period with replacement signs starting to appear before the end of 2005. First to receive the new signs have been self-catering properties that have been assessed under the new standards introduced in April 2005, camping and caravan parks and visitor attractions. New scheme participants will receive a free wall-mounted sign for interior or exterior use following assessment.
Consumer Recognition
Consumer research, carried out to help quantify the level of recognition of the Star ratings and logos, clearly identified that, where recognition existed, the strongest element of identification was with the red and white rose logo and the link to the Tourist Boards in England.
All of the campaigns planned by the England Marketing team in VisitBritain will carry details of the Star ratings and logos to strengthen consumer awareness of the England quality rose.
Regional & National Publications
The new Quality Rose Toolkit is available from May 2007 for distribution, further information is available in our news section.
Signs for the Visitor Attraction Quality Service (VAQAS)
For more information on VAQAS please contact the VAQAS helpline on: 0208 563 3309 E: vaqas@visitbritain.org or visit the VAQAS website at www.vaqas.org.uk
For further information, contact Quality in Tourism
