The Quality Tourism Framework
The Quality Tourism Framework (QTF) is a national business development program that is suitable for tourism businesses of all shapes and sizes. It provides businesses with the necessary tools and resources to ensure best practice management, customer confidence and the ongoing sustainability.
It consists of a collection of Australia’s most recognised and well-respected tourism industry programs, including:
Quality Tourism Accreditation
Previously known as the Australia Tourism Accreditation Program, or ATAP
Star Ratings
Previously AAA Star Ratings
Australian Tourism Awards
Including Canberra Region Tourism Awards (to find out more about Canberra Region Tourism Awards, click here
Program integrity
All applicants are supported by our experienced and dedicated Accreditation Manager throughout the accreditation process. Our Accreditation Manager is equipped to provide as much or as little guidance as you would like.
Each Quality Tourism Accreditation and Star Ratings application is subject to an online desktop assessment conducted internally by our Accreditation Manager.
On an annual basis, all accredited operators are required to update the QTF Level 1 Business Standard; a component of both the Star Ratings and Quality Business Accreditation programs which encompasses all legal, insurance, licensing, permitting and compliance requirements.
Physical site inspections are conducted on a three-year cycle.
Why is accreditation important
The Canberra Region’s international and domestic competitiveness depends on our ability to deliver consistent, quality experiences and services to our visitors.
- Accreditation lifts the standard of our industry’s and visitor’s quality expectations.
- Accreditation is also an important indicator of the quality of your management and product delivery:
- Government and industry bodies look for accreditation when evaluating participation in various programs and in grant applications
- Our regional, state and national marketing organisations often look for accreditation when seeking products for inclusion in exclusive campaigns
- Independent quality standards are an important consideration for guests when choosing accommodation and experiences. More and more quests are placing higher expectations on the businesses and products they support, demanding quality and responsible management.
The Programs
Quality Tourism Accreditation Program
Quality Tourism Accreditation represents the minimum best practice industry standard across customer service; safety; insurance; compliance; marketing and more. Businesses are provided with the necessary tools and resources to establish and update policies and procedures to support their delivery of quality tourism experiences.
Sustainable Tourism Accreditation Program
Sustainable Tourism Accreditation is the Australian tourism industry’s largest and longest-running sustainability program, with more than 3,000 participating businesses. Accreditation incorporates sustainability across environmental, cultural, social and commercial business practices.
Tourism Emissions Reduction Program
The Tourism Emissions Reduction program provides businesses with an emissions estimate and a tailored emissions reduction plan. Businesses can demonstrate their commitment to enacting waste and emission reduction measures to visitors via a link and QR code.
Accessible Tourism Program
The Accessible Tourism program provides businesses with a comprehensive online accessibility assessment and an Accessibility Information guide for visitors. Businesses meeting essential criteria are recognised across support areas of cognitive/autism; limited mobility; low hearing; low vision; wheelchairs and scooters.
Ecostar Accreditation Program
EcoStar Accreditation recognises tourism businesses that demonstrate the highest level of environmental management over and above Sustainable Tourism requirements. EcoStar Accreditation assists businesses in achieving environmental sustainability whilst developing and promoting true eco-tourism experiences.
Risk Management
The online Risk Management suite of tools includes an online assessment providing a customised Risk Assessment; Don’t Risk It Manual; and Video Case studies which collectively support businesses to understand and manage risks to combat increased vulnerabilities and improve business sustainability.
Camp & Adventure Accreditation program
The Camp and Adventure Accreditation program, developed with the Australian Camps Association, guides businesses through advanced business practices for the safe participation in camps and outdoor adventure experiences.
Visitor Centre Accreditation Program
Visitor Centre accreditation is indicated by a blue italicised ‘i’ sign and is awarded where a visitor centre has achieved certain quality standards in their service provision and operational systems including staff training, information relating to local road and transport, information on local amenities and attractions, maps and visitor centre on-site visitor amenities.
What are the benefits?
Each program has their own suite of valuable benefits and we are continuously working on new ways to bring greater benefit and recognition to our accredited operators.
Join a national network
of over 5,000 quality tourism business and increase your reputation
Flaunt your achievement
and display your accreditation logos on your digital and print marketing material
Credibility
receive an independent site inspection every three years
Business development
identify and establish development and improvement goals for your business
Exposure
increase your business visibility with a free listing on the Trust the Tick or Star Ratings website and inclusion in ATIC’s national advertising campaigns
Customer confidence
your guests can rest assured they have chosen an experience that meets best practice management standards and accommodation rated critically against standards that matter most to them
Star Ratings accredited properties also enjoy:
Free access to your own ReviewPro dashboard, where you can manage all your online reviews in the one place and receive an accumulative Traveller’s Rating.
Want more information?
Please contact our Accreditation Manager.
Debra Beetham
Email: debra@nationalattractions.com.au
Phone: 02 6162 4460