New Classification and Grading of Accommodation Providers.
Undoubtedly the most significant recent development in our industry is the new classification and grading scheme, using STARS for all providers, introduced by the Government through VisitBritain.
It is not compulsory BUT if you do business i.e. receive bookings through your local TIC, advertise with your local Tourist Board (or equivalent) or your Local Authority you will be required to subscribe to the new scheme. Everything that the government subsidises either directly or indirectly to facilitate tourism carries with it the requirement for those in involved to become part of the solution. It forms part of the raft of new initiatives from Whitehall, which aims to raise the standard of accommodation currently on offer in the UK.
Research carried out by Government through various agencies revealed that the standards of accommodation available in some establishments left something to be desired when judged against other countries standards.
This research led Government to re-organise 'tourism', including the classification of accommodation, and the Regional Development Agencies were given the remit to improve tourism as part of their of economic development role.
Because this re-development of Tourism was organised at regional level the re-structuring of regional tourist boards was haphazard. No guidance was given to RDA's and they were left to do what they thought best (after consultation). It has produced some interesting outcomes for Tourist Boards ranging from the complete loss of some, the amalgamation of others, no change in some and radical change in others. It has not been an easy transitional process.
The Government seems averse to bringing in new legislation to produce the improvement in accommodation standards in the UK, I suspect because of the cry of 'more red tape'. What they have done is to produce and accelerate change by promises of 'support' for those who come on board with the new standards whilst others who refuse to change will be left out in the cold.
What should I feel be welcomed is the 'common' part of the standards. All of the UK accommodation providers, if they are part of the scheme, will be judged using the same criteria nationally. Wales are still procrastinating a little but I believe they will eventually adopt the new standards.
The inspection process via VisitBritain has been farmed out to GSL Global who host and organise several Government websites. The RAC have of course decided not to offer an inspection service anymore whilst the AA have adopted the new standards and trained their inspectors accordingly.
One of the issues, which has caused some concern is the word HOTEL as used in a business title. Previously if a 'pub' was called the Railway Hotel and required inspection the premises would have been inspected under the new HOTEL criteria. It may have offered only a couple of rooms but it would have been a HOTEL for the inspection process. This changed recently and the new Classification allows for businesses with the word 'Hotel' in the title to be inspected and graded under Guest Accommodation criteria if so desired. Some might think that this is a retrograde step.
If you have received a copy of the new Common Standards it is because you already are part of the current inspection scheme. If not you can download them here for Guest Accommodation and here for Hotels.
Having read the criteria for all accommodation providers I think business owners will have little to argue with on the new standards, the decision will be: "Do I stay on board or do I get on board?"