Industry Insight: Quality is just as important for the unusual!

By Gary Swarbrooke, director of policy and quality at Quality in Tourism, the assessment service for VisitEngland

There is a common factor that unites us all whenever we spend our hard earned money and book accommodation; whether we book a five star hotel or whether we seek something a bit different.

The common factor is quality!

There’s been a real surge over the last few years in the popularity of unusual and alternative accommodation types. To support this, VisitEngland and Quality in Tourism (England’s official assessment body) have cultivated an alternative accommodation scheme containing a lengthy and diverse list of quality-assessed accommodation providers.

With many UK residents deciding to holiday in England rather than go abroad, and with UK homeowners/business professionals looking to make the most out of extra land they may have, or the unique settings that they live in. People are looking more and more into investing and setting up alternative accommodation establishments (or hotels with a difference) with the goal to making these successful businesses.

With this in mind, and with the alternative accommodation sector becoming increasingly more competitive. Mr Swarbrooke reminds us that quality is just as important for the unusual.

Here are his top 10 tips in creating a high quality alternative accommodation experience…

1. Get the basics right! – Just because you’re running an alternative establishment, doesn’t mean you can get away without doing some of the basics. Guests maybe in a slightly different setting than the usual hotels they visit, but they will expect cleanliness, comfortable beds. Providing guests with a welcome gesture, such as a hamper of some local produce can be a nice touch.

2. Paint a picture – People are visiting your establishment because it is unique, and fascinating. Make sure you provide guests with some information on the history of your place, how it came about, what it used to be before. It all adds to the charm.

3. Clear instructions – Remember, you’ll know everything there is to know about your ‘unusual’ accommodation, but your guests won’t. For most this is probably the first time they’ve stayed in a chalet-like wigwam. So make sure you leave clear instructions on how everything works and where everything is. Don’t assume!

4. Privacy – Provide plenty of space and privacy. Don’t position your accommodation too close together. People are interested in staying in wigwams or buses but they still need their privacy.

5. Walkers and cyclists – Walking and cycling are two of the most popular activities undertaken by holidaymakers in the UK. Ensure your establishment has separate space for drying outdoor clothing and footwear. Make sure there are boot scrapes and lockable undercover areas for safe overnight storage of bicycles. Small factors like these can make a massive difference.

6. Health and safety – Health and safety is more important than ever. Especially if guests are sleeping in a room which perhaps wasn’t originally built to be used as a bedroom! Make sure everything is in place, and you’ve taken all possible precautions.

7. Access awards – With one in four (27.2%) of the UK population having a long-standing health problem or disability, there will be a high chance that guests visiting your establishment will need a good level of accessibility. Is your establishment catered for those with mobility problems? Remember, it’s not all about wheelchairs. Do you cater for those with hearing difficulties and the visually impaired too?

8. Ergonomic design – Think carefully about the design and use of your sleeping/eating areas. You maybe providing a small space for guests to be in, so make it as easy as possible for them, and provide them with as much room as possible. For example, fold-out beds that can be transformed into seating areas etc

9. On-site facilities – If you have a shop on-site make sure it’s well stocked. And make sure all on-site facilities are well signed and looked after.

10. Finally, get accredited! This is just as important for alternative accommodation establishments as it is with 4 and 5 star hotels, if not more. An accredited establishment generally wins a customer’s trust over one that is not accredited. Consumers need to be re-assured, particularly when booking a place to stay that is a bit out of the ordinary!

At Quality in Tourism (QiT) we are the official assessment body for VisitEngland and provide ratings and accreditations to hundreds of alternative accommodation outlets throughout England. The grades we provide are based on industry research, meaning that consumers can book in confidence that a property will meet their needs. The assessments we undertake include NAS (the only scheme that rates the accessibility of visitor accommodation throughout England) a number of Welcome schemes (including Cyclists, Walkers and Families Welcome) and a number of awards given in recognition of exceptional quality.

So when running an alternative accommodation establishment look for the VisitEngland accredited quality rose. It will make all the difference.

Quality in Tourism (QiT) is the official assessment service provided for VisitEngland. With a field force of more than 60 experienced assessors and a highly dedicated in-house team, the organisation carries out assessments and handles the administration of the national quality assessment schemes on behalf of VisitEngland. For more information visit http://www.qualityintourism.com