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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
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