Tourism NI uses a one to five-star rating system for tourism businesses. The star ratings show the standard of customer care and the quality of services and facilities.

How does star-grading work?

The number of stars awarded shows the levels of quality customers can expect from the assessed business:

• five star - an exceptional, world-class standard
• four star - an excellent standard 
• three star - a very good standard
• two star - good overall standard
• one star - a fair and acceptable standard

Star gradings cover accommodation and tourism experiences, including:

• serviced, self-catering and hostel accommodation
• visitor experiences such as tours, activities centres and museums etc
• caravan and camping parks

The awards focus on the standard of the welcome, hospitality and services provided. They also assess the presentation and condition of facilities.

Being associated with a well-known recognition scheme, such as the Tourism NI's Quality Grading Scheme, can make a big difference to how customers view your business.

As well as letting your customers know that what you offer is of nationally recognised standard, the benefits of being quality graded also include:

• improve your reputation and be seen as a credible business
• assure you customers about the quality of services and facilities you provide
• increase customer satisfaction and the chance of repeat business
• give you a competitive advantage over non-accredited businesses

Being quality graded also gives you the chance to promote your business in a number of ways:

• use approved and recognised plaques, logos and signage to highlight and promote your star-rating 
• get access to Tourism NI's marketing and social media opportunities, and presence in a range of marketing and promotional campaigns
• join Tourism NI's specialised Welcome Schemes which are free to all accommodation scheme members

Finally taking part in quality grading schemes will provide you with access to expert advice, training and ongoing support from the Tourism NI Quality Assessors. The Quality Assessors will assess your business once a year and advise you on how to make the most of your business.

In Northern Ireland, all tourist accommodation must be certified by Tourism NI to ensure minimum standards of service and quality are met. For more information, see tourist accommodation certification.

However, participating in the Tourist Accommodation Quality Grading Scheme is voluntary. 
Tourism NI’s Quality Grading Scheme is the same common standards scheme that is used by the AA and other national tourist boards in Scotland, England and Wales.

The scheme uses a five-star rating system and is designed to give visitors a clear idea of the standards they can expect for:

• hospitality
• service
• cleanliness
• comfort
• food 

For details on what each star rating means, see Tourism Quality Grading Scheme and five-star rating system.

Entry requirements

To receive your star rating you must meet nationally recognised standards of customer care and quality.

The assessment criteria will be different for different types of accommodation. Entry requirements for hostels will vary greatly from entry requirements for B&Bs and hotels. 

Assessment process

Your star rating will depend on the quality scores you receive in your Quality Grading Assessment. The assessment will be carried out by the Tourism NI Quality Assessors. You will be awarded a rating between one to five stars. 

The assessment will focus on the quality of your premises and the visitor experience you provide. The assessment is separate from the statutory certification inspection. 

For serviced accommodation premises there will be an initial mystery overnight stay.  The assessor will not tell you they are an assessor. You will find this out the next morning when the assessor will take you through the assessment process and criteria.

The assessor will give you their notes and advice on possible improvement during the initial consultation. An assessment report and a Quality Grading Certificate and plaque will follow by post.

When you apply to be assessed under the Quality Grading Scheme, you will incur an assessment fee appropriate to your accommodation category.

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.

Holiday, touring and camping parks and pitches can also apply for quality grading.

Under the UK-wide British Graded Holiday Parks Scheme, parks are inspected and given a star-rating to reflect overall quality standards of the services and facilities provided.

The highest rating of five stars is for parks of exceptional quality, whereas one star rating is for parks of acceptable quality.

The inspector will assess:

• cleanliness
• reception and efficiency of service
• general maintenance, layout and landscaping
• park facilities, such as shops, clubs and restaurants, 
• recreation, sport and leisure
• park grounds and facilities, such as lighting, signage and refuse disposal
• toilet and washing facilities
• pitches, including layout, spacing and service connections

To obtain and maintain their star-rating, parks have to undergo annual assessments usually in a form of unannounced day visits.

Tourism NI Welcome Schemes are designed for serviced, self-catering and hostel accommodation providers who are members of the Quality Grading Scheme.

The Welcome Schemes help direct visitors to suitable establishments that pay particular attention to their various needs. They recognise the special effort made by businesses to provide services that welcome visitors' particular need - be it walking, cycling, angling or simply holidaying with family. 

The Welcome Schemes currently in operation in Northern Ireland are:

• Anglers Welcome
• Cyclists Welcome
• Dogs Welcome 
• Families Welcome
• Golfers Welcome
• Walkers Welcome
• Groups Welcome
• Film Crew Welcome
• Bikers Welcome
• Mountain Bikers Welcome

The Welcome Schemes are free to all members of the Tourism NI Accommodation Quality Grading Scheme. If you wish to apply for one of the Welcome Schemes, your Quality Advisor will verify that the required facilities are available when they visit. 

Green Tourism certification is open to:

• all types of tourist accommodation
• visitor centres
• activity providers
• businesses that service the tourism industry.

Every two years each of the Green Tourism Members are visited and assessed by a qualified professional a set of environmental performance criteria, such as:

• energy and water efficiency
• waste management
• biodiversity
• procurement 
• community involvement

Following the assessment, businesses will acheive receive a bronze, silver, or gold award.  

Tourism NI uses a one to five-star rating system for tourism businesses. The star ratings show the standard of customer care and the quality of services and facilities.

How does star-grading work?

The number of stars awarded shows the levels of quality customers can expect from the assessed business:

• five star - an exceptional, world-class standard
• four star - an excellent standard 
• three star - a very good standard
• two star - good overall standard
• one star - a fair and acceptable standard

Star gradings cover accommodation and tourism experiences, including:

• serviced, self-catering and hostel accommodation
• visitor experiences such as tours, activities centres and museums etc
• caravan and camping parks

The awards focus on the standard of the welcome, hospitality and services provided. They also assess the presentation and condition of facilities.

Being associated with a well-known recognition scheme, such as the Tourism NI's Quality Grading Scheme, can make a big difference to how customers view your business.

As well as letting your customers know that what you offer is of nationally recognised standard, the benefits of being quality graded also include:

• improve your reputation and be seen as a credible business
• assure you customers about the quality of services and facilities you provide
• increase customer satisfaction and the chance of repeat business
• give you a competitive advantage over non-accredited businesses

Being quality graded also gives you the chance to promote your business in a number of ways:

• use approved and recognised plaques, logos and signage to highlight and promote your star-rating 
• get access to Tourism NI's marketing and social media opportunities, and presence in a range of marketing and promotional campaigns
• join Tourism NI's specialised Welcome Schemes which are free to all accommodation scheme members

Finally taking part in quality grading schemes will provide you with access to expert advice, training and ongoing support from the Tourism NI Quality Assessors. The Quality Assessors will assess your business once a year and advise you on how to make the most of your business.

In Northern Ireland, all tourist accommodation must be certified by Tourism NI to ensure minimum standards of service and quality are met. For more information, see tourist accommodation certification.

However, participating in the Tourist Accommodation Quality Grading Scheme is voluntary. 
Tourism NI’s Quality Grading Scheme is the same common standards scheme that is used by the AA and other national tourist boards in Scotland, England and Wales.

The scheme uses a five-star rating system and is designed to give visitors a clear idea of the standards they can expect for:

• hospitality
• service
• cleanliness
• comfort
• food 

For details on what each star rating means, see Tourism Quality Grading Scheme and five-star rating system.

Entry requirements

To receive your star rating you must meet nationally recognised standards of customer care and quality.

The assessment criteria will be different for different types of accommodation. Entry requirements for hostels will vary greatly from entry requirements for B&Bs and hotels. 

Assessment process

Your star rating will depend on the quality scores you receive in your Quality Grading Assessment. The assessment will be carried out by the Tourism NI Quality Assessors. You will be awarded a rating between one to five stars. 

The assessment will focus on the quality of your premises and the visitor experience you provide. The assessment is separate from the statutory certification inspection. 

For serviced accommodation premises there will be an initial mystery overnight stay.  The assessor will not tell you they are an assessor. You will find this out the next morning when the assessor will take you through the assessment process and criteria.

The assessor will give you their notes and advice on possible improvement during the initial consultation. An assessment report and a Quality Grading Certificate and plaque will follow by post.

When you apply to be assessed under the Quality Grading Scheme, you will incur an assessment fee appropriate to your accommodation category.

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.

Holiday, touring and camping parks and pitches can also apply for quality grading.

Under the UK-wide British Graded Holiday Parks Scheme, parks are inspected and given a star-rating to reflect overall quality standards of the services and facilities provided.

The highest rating of five stars is for parks of exceptional quality, whereas one star rating is for parks of acceptable quality.

The inspector will assess:

• cleanliness
• reception and efficiency of service
• general maintenance, layout and landscaping
• park facilities, such as shops, clubs and restaurants, 
• recreation, sport and leisure
• park grounds and facilities, such as lighting, signage and refuse disposal
• toilet and washing facilities
• pitches, including layout, spacing and service connections

To obtain and maintain their star-rating, parks have to undergo annual assessments usually in a form of unannounced day visits.

Tourism NI Welcome Schemes are designed for serviced, self-catering and hostel accommodation providers who are members of the Quality Grading Scheme.

The Welcome Schemes help direct visitors to suitable establishments that pay particular attention to their various needs. They recognise the special effort made by businesses to provide services that welcome visitors' particular need - be it walking, cycling, angling or simply holidaying with family. 

The Welcome Schemes currently in operation in Northern Ireland are:

• Anglers Welcome
• Cyclists Welcome
• Dogs Welcome 
• Families Welcome
• Golfers Welcome
• Walkers Welcome
• Groups Welcome
• Film Crew Welcome
• Bikers Welcome
• Mountain Bikers Welcome

The Welcome Schemes are free to all members of the Tourism NI Accommodation Quality Grading Scheme. If you wish to apply for one of the Welcome Schemes, your Quality Advisor will verify that the required facilities are available when they visit. 

Green Tourism certification is open to:

• all types of tourist accommodation
• visitor centres
• activity providers
• businesses that service the tourism industry.

Every two years each of the Green Tourism Members are visited and assessed by a qualified professional a set of environmental performance criteria, such as:

• energy and water efficiency
• waste management
• biodiversity
• procurement 
• community involvement

Following the assessment, businesses will acheive receive a bronze, silver, or gold award.  

Tourism NI uses a one to five-star rating system for tourism businesses. The star ratings show the standard of customer care and the quality of services and facilities.

How does star-grading work?

The number of stars awarded shows the levels of quality customers can expect from the assessed business:

• five star - an exceptional, world-class standard
• four star - an excellent standard 
• three star - a very good standard
• two star - good overall standard
• one star - a fair and acceptable standard

Star gradings cover accommodation and tourism experiences, including:

• serviced, self-catering and hostel accommodation
• visitor experiences such as tours, activities centres and museums etc
• caravan and camping parks

The awards focus on the standard of the welcome, hospitality and services provided. They also assess the presentation and condition of facilities.

Being associated with a well-known recognition scheme, such as the Tourism NI's Quality Grading Scheme, can make a big difference to how customers view your business.

As well as letting your customers know that what you offer is of nationally recognised standard, the benefits of being quality graded also include:

• improve your reputation and be seen as a credible business
• assure you customers about the quality of services and facilities you provide
• increase customer satisfaction and the chance of repeat business
• give you a competitive advantage over non-accredited businesses

Being quality graded also gives you the chance to promote your business in a number of ways:

• use approved and recognised plaques, logos and signage to highlight and promote your star-rating 
• get access to Tourism NI's marketing and social media opportunities, and presence in a range of marketing and promotional campaigns
• join Tourism NI's specialised Welcome Schemes which are free to all accommodation scheme members

Finally taking part in quality grading schemes will provide you with access to expert advice, training and ongoing support from the Tourism NI Quality Assessors. The Quality Assessors will assess your business once a year and advise you on how to make the most of your business.

In Northern Ireland, all tourist accommodation must be certified by Tourism NI to ensure minimum standards of service and quality are met. For more information, see tourist accommodation certification.

However, participating in the Tourist Accommodation Quality Grading Scheme is voluntary. 
Tourism NI’s Quality Grading Scheme is the same common standards scheme that is used by the AA and other national tourist boards in Scotland, England and Wales.

The scheme uses a five-star rating system and is designed to give visitors a clear idea of the standards they can expect for:

• hospitality
• service
• cleanliness
• comfort
• food 

For details on what each star rating means, see Tourism Quality Grading Scheme and five-star rating system.

Entry requirements

To receive your star rating you must meet nationally recognised standards of customer care and quality.

The assessment criteria will be different for different types of accommodation. Entry requirements for hostels will vary greatly from entry requirements for B&Bs and hotels. 

Assessment process

Your star rating will depend on the quality scores you receive in your Quality Grading Assessment. The assessment will be carried out by the Tourism NI Quality Assessors. You will be awarded a rating between one to five stars. 

The assessment will focus on the quality of your premises and the visitor experience you provide. The assessment is separate from the statutory certification inspection. 

For serviced accommodation premises there will be an initial mystery overnight stay.  The assessor will not tell you they are an assessor. You will find this out the next morning when the assessor will take you through the assessment process and criteria.

The assessor will give you their notes and advice on possible improvement during the initial consultation. An assessment report and a Quality Grading Certificate and plaque will follow by post.

When you apply to be assessed under the Quality Grading Scheme, you will incur an assessment fee appropriate to your accommodation category.

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.

Holiday, touring and camping parks and pitches can also apply for quality grading.

Under the UK-wide British Graded Holiday Parks Scheme, parks are inspected and given a star-rating to reflect overall quality standards of the services and facilities provided.

The highest rating of five stars is for parks of exceptional quality, whereas one star rating is for parks of acceptable quality.

The inspector will assess:

• cleanliness
• reception and efficiency of service
• general maintenance, layout and landscaping
• park facilities, such as shops, clubs and restaurants, 
• recreation, sport and leisure
• park grounds and facilities, such as lighting, signage and refuse disposal
• toilet and washing facilities
• pitches, including layout, spacing and service connections

To obtain and maintain their star-rating, parks have to undergo annual assessments usually in a form of unannounced day visits.

Tourism NI Welcome Schemes are designed for serviced, self-catering and hostel accommodation providers who are members of the Quality Grading Scheme.

The Welcome Schemes help direct visitors to suitable establishments that pay particular attention to their various needs. They recognise the special effort made by businesses to provide services that welcome visitors' particular need - be it walking, cycling, angling or simply holidaying with family. 

The Welcome Schemes currently in operation in Northern Ireland are:

• Anglers Welcome
• Cyclists Welcome
• Dogs Welcome 
• Families Welcome
• Golfers Welcome
• Walkers Welcome
• Groups Welcome
• Film Crew Welcome
• Bikers Welcome
• Mountain Bikers Welcome

The Welcome Schemes are free to all members of the Tourism NI Accommodation Quality Grading Scheme. If you wish to apply for one of the Welcome Schemes, your Quality Advisor will verify that the required facilities are available when they visit. 

Green Tourism certification is open to:

• all types of tourist accommodation
• visitor centres
• activity providers
• businesses that service the tourism industry.

Every two years each of the Green Tourism Members are visited and assessed by a qualified professional a set of environmental performance criteria, such as:

• energy and water efficiency
• waste management
• biodiversity
• procurement 
• community involvement

Following the assessment, businesses will acheive receive a bronze, silver, or gold award.  

Tourism NI uses a one to five-star rating system for tourism businesses. The star ratings show the standard of customer care and the quality of services and facilities.

How does star-grading work?

The number of stars awarded shows the levels of quality customers can expect from the assessed business:

• five star - an exceptional, world-class standard
• four star - an excellent standard 
• three star - a very good standard
• two star - good overall standard
• one star - a fair and acceptable standard

Star gradings cover accommodation and tourism experiences, including:

• serviced, self-catering and hostel accommodation
• visitor experiences such as tours, activities centres and museums etc
• caravan and camping parks

The awards focus on the standard of the welcome, hospitality and services provided. They also assess the presentation and condition of facilities.

Being associated with a well-known recognition scheme, such as the Tourism NI's Quality Grading Scheme, can make a big difference to how customers view your business.

As well as letting your customers know that what you offer is of nationally recognised standard, the benefits of being quality graded also include:

• improve your reputation and be seen as a credible business
• assure you customers about the quality of services and facilities you provide
• increase customer satisfaction and the chance of repeat business
• give you a competitive advantage over non-accredited businesses

Being quality graded also gives you the chance to promote your business in a number of ways:

• use approved and recognised plaques, logos and signage to highlight and promote your star-rating 
• get access to Tourism NI's marketing and social media opportunities, and presence in a range of marketing and promotional campaigns
• join Tourism NI's specialised Welcome Schemes which are free to all accommodation scheme members

Finally taking part in quality grading schemes will provide you with access to expert advice, training and ongoing support from the Tourism NI Quality Assessors. The Quality Assessors will assess your business once a year and advise you on how to make the most of your business.

In Northern Ireland, all tourist accommodation must be certified by Tourism NI to ensure minimum standards of service and quality are met. For more information, see tourist accommodation certification.

However, participating in the Tourist Accommodation Quality Grading Scheme is voluntary. 
Tourism NI’s Quality Grading Scheme is the same common standards scheme that is used by the AA and other national tourist boards in Scotland, England and Wales.

The scheme uses a five-star rating system and is designed to give visitors a clear idea of the standards they can expect for:

• hospitality
• service
• cleanliness
• comfort
• food 

For details on what each star rating means, see Tourism Quality Grading Scheme and five-star rating system.

Entry requirements

To receive your star rating you must meet nationally recognised standards of customer care and quality.

The assessment criteria will be different for different types of accommodation. Entry requirements for hostels will vary greatly from entry requirements for B&Bs and hotels. 

Assessment process

Your star rating will depend on the quality scores you receive in your Quality Grading Assessment. The assessment will be carried out by the Tourism NI Quality Assessors. You will be awarded a rating between one to five stars. 

The assessment will focus on the quality of your premises and the visitor experience you provide. The assessment is separate from the statutory certification inspection. 

For serviced accommodation premises there will be an initial mystery overnight stay.  The assessor will not tell you they are an assessor. You will find this out the next morning when the assessor will take you through the assessment process and criteria.

The assessor will give you their notes and advice on possible improvement during the initial consultation. An assessment report and a Quality Grading Certificate and plaque will follow by post.

When you apply to be assessed under the Quality Grading Scheme, you will incur an assessment fee appropriate to your accommodation category.

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.

Holiday, touring and camping parks and pitches can also apply for quality grading.

Under the UK-wide British Graded Holiday Parks Scheme, parks are inspected and given a star-rating to reflect overall quality standards of the services and facilities provided.

The highest rating of five stars is for parks of exceptional quality, whereas one star rating is for parks of acceptable quality.

The inspector will assess:

• cleanliness
• reception and efficiency of service
• general maintenance, layout and landscaping
• park facilities, such as shops, clubs and restaurants, 
• recreation, sport and leisure
• park grounds and facilities, such as lighting, signage and refuse disposal
• toilet and washing facilities
• pitches, including layout, spacing and service connections

To obtain and maintain their star-rating, parks have to undergo annual assessments usually in a form of unannounced day visits.

Tourism NI Welcome Schemes are designed for serviced, self-catering and hostel accommodation providers who are members of the Quality Grading Scheme.

The Welcome Schemes help direct visitors to suitable establishments that pay particular attention to their various needs. They recognise the special effort made by businesses to provide services that welcome visitors' particular need - be it walking, cycling, angling or simply holidaying with family. 

The Welcome Schemes currently in operation in Northern Ireland are:

• Anglers Welcome
• Cyclists Welcome
• Dogs Welcome 
• Families Welcome
• Golfers Welcome
• Walkers Welcome
• Groups Welcome
• Film Crew Welcome
• Bikers Welcome
• Mountain Bikers Welcome

The Welcome Schemes are free to all members of the Tourism NI Accommodation Quality Grading Scheme. If you wish to apply for one of the Welcome Schemes, your Quality Advisor will verify that the required facilities are available when they visit. 

Green Tourism certification is open to:

• all types of tourist accommodation
• visitor centres
• activity providers
• businesses that service the tourism industry.

Every two years each of the Green Tourism Members are visited and assessed by a qualified professional a set of environmental performance criteria, such as:

• energy and water efficiency
• waste management
• biodiversity
• procurement 
• community involvement

Following the assessment, businesses will acheive receive a bronze, silver, or gold award.  

Tourism NI uses a one to five-star rating system for tourism businesses. The star ratings show the standard of customer care and the quality of services and facilities.

How does star-grading work?

The number of stars awarded shows the levels of quality customers can expect from the assessed business:

• five star - an exceptional, world-class standard
• four star - an excellent standard 
• three star - a very good standard
• two star - good overall standard
• one star - a fair and acceptable standard

Star gradings cover accommodation and tourism experiences, including:

• serviced, self-catering and hostel accommodation
• visitor experiences such as tours, activities centres and museums etc
• caravan and camping parks

The awards focus on the standard of the welcome, hospitality and services provided. They also assess the presentation and condition of facilities.

Being associated with a well-known recognition scheme, such as the Tourism NI's Quality Grading Scheme, can make a big difference to how customers view your business.

As well as letting your customers know that what you offer is of nationally recognised standard, the benefits of being quality graded also include:

• improve your reputation and be seen as a credible business
• assure you customers about the quality of services and facilities you provide
• increase customer satisfaction and the chance of repeat business
• give you a competitive advantage over non-accredited businesses

Being quality graded also gives you the chance to promote your business in a number of ways:

• use approved and recognised plaques, logos and signage to highlight and promote your star-rating 
• get access to Tourism NI's marketing and social media opportunities, and presence in a range of marketing and promotional campaigns
• join Tourism NI's specialised Welcome Schemes which are free to all accommodation scheme members

Finally taking part in quality grading schemes will provide you with access to expert advice, training and ongoing support from the Tourism NI Quality Assessors. The Quality Assessors will assess your business once a year and advise you on how to make the most of your business.

In Northern Ireland, all tourist accommodation must be certified by Tourism NI to ensure minimum standards of service and quality are met. For more information, see tourist accommodation certification.

However, participating in the Tourist Accommodation Quality Grading Scheme is voluntary. 
Tourism NI’s Quality Grading Scheme is the same common standards scheme that is used by the AA and other national tourist boards in Scotland, England and Wales.

The scheme uses a five-star rating system and is designed to give visitors a clear idea of the standards they can expect for:

• hospitality
• service
• cleanliness
• comfort
• food 

For details on what each star rating means, see Tourism Quality Grading Scheme and five-star rating system.

Entry requirements

To receive your star rating you must meet nationally recognised standards of customer care and quality.

The assessment criteria will be different for different types of accommodation. Entry requirements for hostels will vary greatly from entry requirements for B&Bs and hotels. 

Assessment process

Your star rating will depend on the quality scores you receive in your Quality Grading Assessment. The assessment will be carried out by the Tourism NI Quality Assessors. You will be awarded a rating between one to five stars. 

The assessment will focus on the quality of your premises and the visitor experience you provide. The assessment is separate from the statutory certification inspection. 

For serviced accommodation premises there will be an initial mystery overnight stay.  The assessor will not tell you they are an assessor. You will find this out the next morning when the assessor will take you through the assessment process and criteria.

The assessor will give you their notes and advice on possible improvement during the initial consultation. An assessment report and a Quality Grading Certificate and plaque will follow by post.

When you apply to be assessed under the Quality Grading Scheme, you will incur an assessment fee appropriate to your accommodation category.

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.

Holiday, touring and camping parks and pitches can also apply for quality grading.

Under the UK-wide British Graded Holiday Parks Scheme, parks are inspected and given a star-rating to reflect overall quality standards of the services and facilities provided.

The highest rating of five stars is for parks of exceptional quality, whereas one star rating is for parks of acceptable quality.

The inspector will assess:

• cleanliness
• reception and efficiency of service
• general maintenance, layout and landscaping
• park facilities, such as shops, clubs and restaurants, 
• recreation, sport and leisure
• park grounds and facilities, such as lighting, signage and refuse disposal
• toilet and washing facilities
• pitches, including layout, spacing and service connections

To obtain and maintain their star-rating, parks have to undergo annual assessments usually in a form of unannounced day visits.

Tourism NI Welcome Schemes are designed for serviced, self-catering and hostel accommodation providers who are members of the Quality Grading Scheme.

The Welcome Schemes help direct visitors to suitable establishments that pay particular attention to their various needs. They recognise the special effort made by businesses to provide services that welcome visitors' particular need - be it walking, cycling, angling or simply holidaying with family. 

The Welcome Schemes currently in operation in Northern Ireland are:

• Anglers Welcome
• Cyclists Welcome
• Dogs Welcome 
• Families Welcome
• Golfers Welcome
• Walkers Welcome
• Groups Welcome
• Film Crew Welcome
• Bikers Welcome
• Mountain Bikers Welcome

The Welcome Schemes are free to all members of the Tourism NI Accommodation Quality Grading Scheme. If you wish to apply for one of the Welcome Schemes, your Quality Advisor will verify that the required facilities are available when they visit. 

Green Tourism certification is open to:

• all types of tourist accommodation
• visitor centres
• activity providers
• businesses that service the tourism industry.

Every two years each of the Green Tourism Members are visited and assessed by a qualified professional a set of environmental performance criteria, such as:

• energy and water efficiency
• waste management
• biodiversity
• procurement 
• community involvement

Following the assessment, businesses will acheive receive a bronze, silver, or gold award.  

Tourism NI uses a one to five-star rating system for tourism businesses. The star ratings show the standard of customer care and the quality of services and facilities.

How does star-grading work?

The number of stars awarded shows the levels of quality customers can expect from the assessed business:

• five star - an exceptional, world-class standard
• four star - an excellent standard 
• three star - a very good standard
• two star - good overall standard
• one star - a fair and acceptable standard

Star gradings cover accommodation and tourism experiences, including:

• serviced, self-catering and hostel accommodation
• visitor experiences such as tours, activities centres and museums etc
• caravan and camping parks

The awards focus on the standard of the welcome, hospitality and services provided. They also assess the presentation and condition of facilities.

Being associated with a well-known recognition scheme, such as the Tourism NI's Quality Grading Scheme, can make a big difference to how customers view your business.

As well as letting your customers know that what you offer is of nationally recognised standard, the benefits of being quality graded also include:

• improve your reputation and be seen as a credible business
• assure you customers about the quality of services and facilities you provide
• increase customer satisfaction and the chance of repeat business
• give you a competitive advantage over non-accredited businesses

Being quality graded also gives you the chance to promote your business in a number of ways:

• use approved and recognised plaques, logos and signage to highlight and promote your star-rating 
• get access to Tourism NI's marketing and social media opportunities, and presence in a range of marketing and promotional campaigns
• join Tourism NI's specialised Welcome Schemes which are free to all accommodation scheme members

Finally taking part in quality grading schemes will provide you with access to expert advice, training and ongoing support from the Tourism NI Quality Assessors. The Quality Assessors will assess your business once a year and advise you on how to make the most of your business.

In Northern Ireland, all tourist accommodation must be certified by Tourism NI to ensure minimum standards of service and quality are met. For more information, see tourist accommodation certification.

However, participating in the Tourist Accommodation Quality Grading Scheme is voluntary. 
Tourism NI’s Quality Grading Scheme is the same common standards scheme that is used by the AA and other national tourist boards in Scotland, England and Wales.

The scheme uses a five-star rating system and is designed to give visitors a clear idea of the standards they can expect for:

• hospitality
• service
• cleanliness
• comfort
• food 

For details on what each star rating means, see Tourism Quality Grading Scheme and five-star rating system.

Entry requirements

To receive your star rating you must meet nationally recognised standards of customer care and quality.

The assessment criteria will be different for different types of accommodation. Entry requirements for hostels will vary greatly from entry requirements for B&Bs and hotels. 

Assessment process

Your star rating will depend on the quality scores you receive in your Quality Grading Assessment. The assessment will be carried out by the Tourism NI Quality Assessors. You will be awarded a rating between one to five stars. 

The assessment will focus on the quality of your premises and the visitor experience you provide. The assessment is separate from the statutory certification inspection. 

For serviced accommodation premises there will be an initial mystery overnight stay.  The assessor will not tell you they are an assessor. You will find this out the next morning when the assessor will take you through the assessment process and criteria.

The assessor will give you their notes and advice on possible improvement during the initial consultation. An assessment report and a Quality Grading Certificate and plaque will follow by post.

When you apply to be assessed under the Quality Grading Scheme, you will incur an assessment fee appropriate to your accommodation category.

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.

Holiday, touring and camping parks and pitches can also apply for quality grading.

Under the UK-wide British Graded Holiday Parks Scheme, parks are inspected and given a star-rating to reflect overall quality standards of the services and facilities provided.

The highest rating of five stars is for parks of exceptional quality, whereas one star rating is for parks of acceptable quality.

The inspector will assess:

• cleanliness
• reception and efficiency of service
• general maintenance, layout and landscaping
• park facilities, such as shops, clubs and restaurants, 
• recreation, sport and leisure
• park grounds and facilities, such as lighting, signage and refuse disposal
• toilet and washing facilities
• pitches, including layout, spacing and service connections

To obtain and maintain their star-rating, parks have to undergo annual assessments usually in a form of unannounced day visits.

Tourism NI Welcome Schemes are designed for serviced, self-catering and hostel accommodation providers who are members of the Quality Grading Scheme.

The Welcome Schemes help direct visitors to suitable establishments that pay particular attention to their various needs. They recognise the special effort made by businesses to provide services that welcome visitors' particular need - be it walking, cycling, angling or simply holidaying with family. 

The Welcome Schemes currently in operation in Northern Ireland are:

• Anglers Welcome
• Cyclists Welcome
• Dogs Welcome 
• Families Welcome
• Golfers Welcome
• Walkers Welcome
• Groups Welcome
• Film Crew Welcome
• Bikers Welcome
• Mountain Bikers Welcome

The Welcome Schemes are free to all members of the Tourism NI Accommodation Quality Grading Scheme. If you wish to apply for one of the Welcome Schemes, your Quality Advisor will verify that the required facilities are available when they visit. 

Green Tourism certification is open to:

• all types of tourist accommodation
• visitor centres
• activity providers
• businesses that service the tourism industry.

Every two years each of the Green Tourism Members are visited and assessed by a qualified professional a set of environmental performance criteria, such as:

• energy and water efficiency
• waste management
• biodiversity
• procurement 
• community involvement

Following the assessment, businesses will acheive receive a bronze, silver, or gold award.