United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Grading scheme proposed for venues in England
Conference and meeting facilities in England could be subject to a grading scheme under proposals from VisitBritain.
The national tourism agency has invited venues to contribute to new research in the business and events sector.
The study aims to establish whether the quality of England’s conference facilities should be assessed and graded accordingly. The project will include focus groups and in depth interviews over two months with professional and non-professional event planners based in the UK.
The research will identify what form a quality assurance scheme could take to meet buyer’s needs and how such a scheme could be effectively marketed to buyers. Research will build upon the information generated from VisitBritain’s latest business visitor research.
A statement said: “VisitBritain is placing increasing emphasis on quality accreditation and has already established a policy of only promoting quality assessed accommodation in its marketing activity in the UK and around the world. If such a scheme became implemented, conference venues could be added to the total of over 25,000 properties in England currently graded by VisitBritain.”
Meet England manager Sarah Mayfield said: “England has some fantastic venues, many of which are unique in character and rich in heritage. They offer attractive alternatives for meetings and conferences and are the equal of venues available in other destinations.
“This research will enable us to evaluate whether a quality assurance scheme is needed to help make the process of booking conference facilities easier for buyers. It could also help venues in England improve the quality of the facilities that they offer.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel