Check what you need to know
Find out the criteria for your business to achieve a grading with our Quality Assurance Scheme. All businesses are also required to implement sustainability actions to achieve the minimum standards of Quality Assurance. Please ensure you read the Sustainabilty Actions for your type of business below.
1. Small serviced accommodation
Small serviced accommodation includes the following business types:
- B&B
- Farmhouse
- Guest Accommodation
- Guest House
- Restaurant with Rooms
- Inn
Criteria for small serviced accommodation
Published February 2019
Guidance notes for small serviced accommodation
Published September 2009
COVID-19 guidance for small serviced accommodation
Published May 2021
Additional guidance to achieving high standards within the Quality Assurance Scheme whilst implementing COVID-19 measures.
Sustainability actions for small serviced accommodation 2020
Published December 2019
To meet our minimum standards for Quality Assurance, small serviced accommodation providers must meet at least 19 of these sustainability actions.
2. Hotel and exclusive use venue
Exclusive use venues should also use the Hotel criteria.
Criteria for hotels
Published February 2018
COVID-19 guidance for hotels
Published May 2021
Additional guidance to achieving high standards within the Quality Assurance Scheme whilst implementing COVID-19 measures.
Sustainability actions for hotels 2020
Published December 2019
To meet our minimum standards for Quality Assurance, hotels must meet at least 20 of these sustainability actions.
3. Camping and caravan parks
This criteria and guidance covers
- Holiday parks
- Touring parks
- Camping parks
Criteria for camping and caravan parks
Published February 2018
Guidance notes for camping and caravan parks
Published February 2016
COVID-19 guidance for camping and caravan parks
Published May 2021
Additional guidance to achieving high standards within the Quality Assurance Scheme whilst implementing COVID-19 measures.
Sustainability actions for holiday parks 2020
Published December 2019
To meet our minimum standards for Quality Assurance, holiday parks must meet at least 18 of these sustainability actions.
4. Hostel
This section covers:
- Hostel
- Backpackers
- Group accommodation
- Activity accommodation
- Bunkhouse
Criteria for hostel, backpackers, group accommodation and activity accommodation
Published January 2020
Criteria for bunkhouse accommodation
Published January 2020
Guidance notes for hostels
Published February 2018
COVID-19 guidance for hostels
Published May 2021
Additional guidance to achieving high standards within the Quality Assurance Scheme whilst implementing COVID-19 measures.
Sustainability actions for hostels 2020
Published December 2019
To meet our minimum standards for Quality Assurance, hostels must meet at least 18 of these sustainability actions.
5. Self-catering
Self catering accommodation includes a house, apartment or cottage, normally let on a weekly basis.
Criteria for self-catering accommodation
Published April 2020
Guidance notes for self-catering/serviced accommodation
Published February 2018
COVID-19 guidance for self-catering accommodation
Published May 2021
Additional guidance to achieving high standards within the Quality Assurance Scheme whilst implementing COVID-19 measures.
Sustainability actions for self-catering 2020
Published December 2019
To meet our minimum standards for Quality Assurance, self-catering accommodation must meet at least 16 of these sustainability actions.
6. Serviced apartment
Criteria for serviced apartment accommodation
Published
Guidance notes for self-catering/serviced accommodation
Published February 2018
COVID-19 guidance for self-catering accommodation
Published May 2021
Additional guidance to achieving high standards within the Quality Assurance Scheme whilst implementing COVID-19 measures.
Sustainability actions for self-catering 2020
Published December 2019
To meet our minimum standards for Quality Assurance, self-catering accommodation must meet at least 16 of these sustainability actions.
7. Visitor attractions
Guidance notes for visitor attractions
Published July 2019
All visitor attractions that offer a visitor experience: this includes museums, castles, historic attractions, gardens, distilleries, etc.
COVID-19 guidance for visitor attractions
Published May 2021
Additional guidance to achieving high standards within the Quality Assurance Scheme whilst implementing COVID-19 measures.
Sustainability actions for visitor attractions 2020
Published December 2019
To meet our minimum standards for Quality Assurance, visitor attractions must meet at least 15 of these sustainability actions.
Guidance notes for activity centres & activity providers
Published July 2019
Activity providers and centre-based activities, e.g. bungee-jumping, swimming pools, paintball
COVID-19 guidance for activity providers
Published May 2021
Additional guidance to achieving high standards within the Quality Assurance Scheme whilst implementing COVID-19 measures.
Guidance notes for venues
Published July 2019
Theatres, arts centres and performance venues
Guidance notes for tour operators
Published July 2019
Walking tours, city centre tours, wildlife tours and bus tours with varying durations
COVID-19 guidance for tour operators
Published May 2021
Additional guidance to achieving high standards within the Quality Assurance Scheme whilst implementing COVID-19 measures.
Guidance notes for shops
Published July 2019
All operators that provide a dedicated retail experience for visitors, e.g garden centres, dedicated tourist shops etc.
Guidance notes for shopping centres
Published July 2019
All operators that provide a dedicated retail experience for visitors
COVID-19 guidance for shops and shopping centres
Published May 2021
Additional guidance to achieving high standards within the Quality Assurance Scheme whilst implementing COVID-19 measures.