Open Air Business May 2016

ACCOMMODATION
KNEPP WILDLAND SAFARIS: WWW.KNEPPSAFARIS.CO.UK
They will conduct the
assessment by scoring all key
areas against a set of criteria
including washing facilities.
They will present a copy of the
Pink Book, a VisitEngland advice
guide on things like cancellation
policies etc, and provide a
written report after the visit
with the score, summary and
verbal feedback. Assessors will
look carefully at a glampsite’s
location, its accommodation and
the standard of customer service.
The assessment is objective and
will take into account unique
aspects of the business and
score it in this context. The aim
of the assessment is to provide
feedback, share best practice and
raise standards without taking
away any of the character, style
or uniqueness of the business.
If the site achieves a score
of over 60% then VisitEngland
accreditation will be awarded.
There is also an opportunity for
a Gold Standard accolade for
sites offering top quality facilities
and experiences. The assessor
will also provide a full debrief
and accompanied walk-round if
requested.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pam Foden is the
Head of Industry
Development for Visit
England, England’s
national tourist board.
Accommodation
is accredited for
Visit England by
an independent
assessment service,
Quality In Tourism.
Please visit www.
qualityintourism.
com or call 0845 300
6996 for a free guide
on the Glamping
Scheme, and hints and
tips to help you get
accredited.
WHY JOIN
VISITENGLAND?
› Market your business using
the VisitEngland marque
› Tell your customers that
you have been checked by
a national tourist board
› Work towards a Gold
Award accolade
› Benefit from hints and tips
from assessors
› Make use of advice on
legislation and marketing
trends
During the assessment
visit, an assessor will
make quality judgements
across all aspects of the
customer-facing business
and will award a score
from 0-5 for each element.
0 = unacceptable
1 = poor
2 = disappointing
3 = good
4 = very good
5 = excellent
Marks awarded (out of 5)
INFORMATION & ARRIVAL
Pre-arrival information 4
Arrival information 4
Extra touches on arrival 5
EXTERIOR
Exterior look and condition of the unit 4
Grounds and setting 5
BEDS
Quality and condition of beds 4
Quality and condition of bedding
and bed linen if provided 4
BATHROOMS
Quality and condition of shower room/ bathrooms 4
Quality and condition of WCs - if separate 3
KITCHEN
Quality and condition of all cooking equipment 4
Quality and condition of all crockery, cutlery, glassware 4
LIVING SPACE
Quality comfort and ease of use 5
LIGHTING & HEATING
All interior and exterior areas 4
HOUSEKEEPING & CLEANLINESS
Grounds & gardens 5
General accommodation 5
Shower room/bathrooms 5
Toilets (if separate) 4
Kitchen/cooking areas 5
TOTAL SCORE 78/90
% SCORE 87%
PASS YES/NO Yes
GOLD AWARD YES/NO Yes
At the end of the visit the assessor can
calculate a percentage score for the site and for any individual
accommodation that might be eligible for an award. In order to
achieve a VisitEngland Accreditation, the overall percentage score
has to reach 60% or above. To be eligible for a Gold Award the
percentage score needs to be a minimum of 80%.
38 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM