Star grading system extends to glamping sector
Quality in Tourism, the organisation responsible for the grading scheme in the UK, said it was extending it out to unusual venues such as yurts, tree houses, camping pods and converted buses to reflect growing interest in alternative accommodation.
The rise in the number of Brits deciding to holiday at home has coincided with the increase in alternative accommodation offerings. While glamping sites have been set up, some hotels have also extended their accommodation offering by adding camping pods and yurts to their grounds.
A spokesperson for Quality in Tourism said: "In response to popular demand in an expanding industry, Quality in Tourism is delighted to introduce VisitEngland’s new Glamping Scheme which was launched at the end of March 2016. The brand new standard developed by VisitEngland and agreed with VisitScotland and VisitWales is designed to recognise the quality of a product and offers a fresh, innovative approach to accreditation in this fast growing sector."
As with hotels and more traditional accommodation types, glamping venues choosing to join the scheme will receive a star grading along with other member benefits such as advice from business advisors, a guide to legislation and a discount scheme for using approved suppliers.
To achieve accreditation glamping venues will have to meet Quality in Tourism's minimum entry requirements with the level of grading - Glamping Accreditation or Gold Accolade - given dependent on areas such as quality of beds and bathroom ratios.
The scheme is being officially launched at the Glamping Show at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire this week (22-24th September).
