VAQAS

The Visitor Assessment Quality Assurance Service (VAQAS) is a consumer focused assessment service for visitor attractions.

Only attractions committed to the code of practice or participants in the VAQAS scheme are promoted by VisitBritain.

The principles of the code include:

• Providing accurate descriptions of operating hours, amenities, facilities, prices and services
• Indicate any pre-booking and entry restrictions
• Sustaining high standards of maintenance, customer care, courtesy & cleanliness
• Adhering to sustainable management practices such as advocating public transport, recycling, using local produce, minimizing energy consumption and pollution
• Providing facilities for visitor’s comments and complaints

The independent assessment offers advice on all areas of the visitor experience using objective industry benchmarks. The VAQAS accreditation marque is available to all attractions in England regardless of size or visitor numbers and quality assessment covers all areas of the visitor experience including:

• pre-arrival enquiry points
• arrival including signage, car parking and welcome
• range of content, quality of presentation and quality of interpretation
• catering
• retailing

The quality assessment highlights strengths and areas for development across the attraction to enable businesses to improve their offer. The marketing and management benefits of VAQAS accredited attractions are being enjoyed by over 800 attractions across England.

To find out more about the service, go to www.vaqas.org.uk