Tourism Takes Steps Towards National Accreditation

The 51st meeting of the Tourism Ministersâ Council (TMC) has strongly endorsed the Commonwealth Government's commitment to the implementation of a National Tourism Accreditation Scheme, with a business plan now to be completed by the end of 2008.
Industry and government accreditation schemes are operating around Australia but, as yet, no national accreditation framework has been implemented.
Speaking after the TMC meeting, Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, stated that âa flexible, credible and widely endorsed accreditation scheme is vital to lifting the standard of the Australian tourism experience, allowing Australia to compete more effectively in the global tourism market.
"Accredited businesses differentiate themselves as quality operators, meeting the challenges of discerning customers. Accreditation provides a point of difference and a branding advantage."
The TMC today also strongly supported the Commonwealth Government's development of a National Long-term Tourism Strategy to address significant challenges which face all jurisdictions, such as shortages in skills, research, and infrastructure.
The TMC is comprised of the Ministers for Tourism from the Commonwealth, states, territories and New Zealand and meets to facilitate consultation and policy coordination between jurisdictions on matters of importance to the tourism industry.