NSW and Queensland tourism bodies back Australian Tourism Accreditation Program

The decision by the Tourism Industry division of the NSW Business Chamber and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) to join the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program (ATAP) will mean that, for the first time, all the States across Australia will now provide a standardised online, quality business accreditation program to help a wide range of businesses grow across the nation’s visitor economy.

Accreditation provides customers with an assurance that participating businesses are committed to professionalism both in business operations and delivery of service. The Standard defines the core business activities and good business practices required by a tourism enterprise to successfully gain Accreditation.

ATAP Ltd Chairman Evan Hall said “ATAP is the only program available to all types of businesses operating in the visitor economy ranging from boutique accommodation to 4WD tours, cafés, zoos and retail shops.”

The decision by the NSW Business Chamber and QTIC means that NSW and Queensland operators will join more than 4,000 accredited tourism businesses across Australia, many of which are located in regional and remote areas.

Dean Gorddard, Executive Manager, Tourism at the NSW Business Chamber added “ATAP is a practical business development process that complements our role at the NSW Business Chamber in providing SME’s with the tools to achieve market competitiveness and forge customer loyalty and repeat business.”

The success of the New Zealand’s Qualmark scheme has demonstrated how both customers and tourism businesses can benefit from accreditation.

Qualmark rated or endorsed businesses in New Zealand receive on average four times more direct leads from the national tourism organisation. Furthermore, independent research shows there is more than 92% satisfaction rate for people who use Qualmark accommodation providers.

For more information go to www.atap.net.au

12th September 2014 - AUCKLAND ZOO AWARDED QUALMARK CERTIFICATION AS AN ENDORSED VISITOR ACTIVITY