VisitBritain has asked the Government to only use quality assured accommodation as part of the ongoing campaign to drive up standards in the industry.
Head of government affairs Bernard Donoghue said an announcement from Government on the issue was imminent and that as Britain’s biggest contractor of hotel rooms the Government should pledge to only use the inspected accommodation.
He added that promoting the quality assured scheme not only maintained standards but would also get accommodation where quality is an issue to aspire to the initiative.
However, panellists at the Travelmole British Travel debate expressed doubt over the future of quality assessment schemes and said they were becoming outdated as consumers increasingly turn to Tripadvisor.com and similar review sites for information and reassurance.
British Hospitality Association chief executive Bob Cotton said: “What people really want graded is the experience they are going to get. It’s about people, experiences and facilities but a grading scheme to give these kind of judgements is very difficult.”
Cotton said he was more in favour of a ‘minimum standards’ scheme where properties would be assessed on basics such as cleanliness and public health and safety.
“There would be a kite mark saying the place was fit and safe to stay in and any not meeting these minimum standards should be closed down,” he said.
By Linda Fox
