Quality grading for tourism businesses

Tourism businesses that offer a quality visitor experience to tourists are eligible to become members of the Visitor Experience Quality Grading Scheme.

Visitor experiences include:

• museums
• castles
• historic houses
• art venues
• gardens
• tours
• wildlife experiences
• garden centres

Visitors experiences are assessed by standard core criteria, and include pre-arrival and arrival experiences. Specific criteria, such as catering, retail and toilets, are tailored to reflect differences between types of experiences. These criteria are only included in the assessment if they are a part of the overall experience.

Assessment

To take part in the scheme, visitor experiences need to apply to Tourism NI for assessment. Assessment visits are carried out 'incognito', ie without prior notice. This allows the assessors to experience an authentic customer journey. 

During the visit, the assessor will look at the condition and standard of facilities and services, and then give feedback on the findings. They will also provide advice on other sources of business support. 

If your visitor experience achieves an award, Tourism NI will provide a range of benefits, including:

• a plaque
• a web logo
• written report
• award certificate

The annual subscription fee for businesses on Tourism NI's Visitor Experience Quality Grading Scheme is £150.

See an example of a local visitor experience participating in the Tourism NI Quality Grading Scheme.