AAA star ratings scheme receives TQUAL accreditation
Martin Ferguson
posted Friday, 3 June 2011
STAR rated hotels, backpackers, motels and caravan parks are amongst the seven thousand Australian accommodation businesses which will now be able to carry the Australian national symbol of tourism quality- the TQUAL mark.
AAA Tourism’s STAR Ratings Scheme is the third program to be approved for TQUAL accreditation by the Tourism Quality Council of Australia. Accommodation businesses now join tour operators, attractions and eco tourism businesses via the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program and Ecotourism Australia as recognised quality businesses.
Welcoming AAA Tourism properties to the National Tourism Accreditation Framework the Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, said momentum was building behind the single recognisable symbol of tourism quality.
“This national symbol of quality is backed by the marketing power of Tourism Australia. By using the TQUAL mark, accredited tourism operators will stand out in a crowded market-place and show consumers they are delivering on their promise of quality, reliability and professionalism,” Minister Ferguson said.
“We know consumers are influenced by the STAR Ratings Scheme and I am pleased the TQUAL mark will now appear along side the STAR Ratings on accommodation businesses right across Australia.
“Accommodation businesses understand the need to offer quality products and services, we have some tough competition with a high Australian dollar and competitively priced flights to nearby Asia.
“As an outcome from the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy, the National Tourism Accreditation Framework has the backing of the Australian Government and is supporting the tourism industry to differentiate our products and services on the basis of quality.
“I encourage more programs to be part of this leading tourism initiative.”
The official STAR Ratings accommodation Scheme is managed by AAA Tourism (AAAT) on behalf of the Australian Auto Clubs and Australian Motoring Services (AMS).
More information on the application process is at www.ret.gov.au/tqual
Tags: Tourism