F.A.Q. for Customers & Visitors
Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions. Before calling or emailing any queries you may have, please take a moment to read through the following.
Questions for Customers / Visitors
- Q1: What is Accreditation?
- Q2: What are the benefits to customers / visitors of using an Accredited business?
- Q3: Are all tourism businesses in Victoria Accredited?
- Q4: How do I find an Accredited business?
- Q5: Is Accreditation the same as star-rating?
Q1: What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a set of standards established by and for the tourism industry covering good business practice and customer service.
There are few barriers to starting up a business in the tourism industry. There are no minimum qualifications and for many sectors of the industry, there is basically no government regulation. It is therefore essential for the industry to have a benchmarking tool which makes businesses that are committed to professionalism and good business practice easily recognisable. That tool is Accreditation.
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Visitor Information Centres that achieve tourism Accreditation use this symbol. |
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All other businesses that achieve tourism Accreditation use this symbol. |
Q2: What are the benefits to customers / visitors of using an Accredited business?
When selecting an Accredited tourism business you are entitled to expect:
- Professional customer service;
- A commitment to providing quality services to visitors;
- Accuracy in advertising;
- Compliance with health and safety standards;
- An appropriately licensed and qualified operator; and
- Sound environmental practices.
Accredited operators continuously work to improve their business to ensure that they can always meet and satisfy your expectations. Remember, the Accreditation logo is displayed by tourism businesses across Australia who share a commitment to quality and excellence.
Visitor Information Centres that are Accredited can make your holiday and travel planning easier. When you see the italicised 'i' road sign it means you are not far from an Accredited Visitor Information Centre. They are your guarantee of up-to-date information and expert advice about every piece of Victoria. Centres are open 9am to 5pm seven days a week.
Back to TopQ3: Are all tourism businesses in Victoria Accredited?
No. Accreditation is not mandatory therefore not all tourism businesses in Victoria are Accredited. Approximately 700 tourism businesses in Victoria and over 3,000 tourism businesses nationally are Accredited (October 2002). Many more are currently going through the process of becoming Accredited.
Back to TopQ4: How do I find an Accredited business?
Here are some of the ways you can find an Accredited business:
- Accredited businesses that are listed in travel guides or tourism publications usually display the Accreditation logo in their advertisement*.
- Visitor Information Centres can provide the names of Accredited businesses in their region.
- Ask a tourism operator, manager or staff member if their business is Accredited or look for the Accreditation logo it should be displayed on the door, window or counter of their business.
- Visit our Links page for a list of TABV Accredited Operators
*Experience Victoria, Jigsaw brochures, Wine Regions of Victoria and the Bed and Breakfast Getaways Guide are all examples of publications which carry the Accreditation logo. Another good source for finding Accredited businesses in Victoria is http://www.visitvictoria.com.au.
Back to TopQ5: Is Accreditation the same as star-rating?
No. Accreditation requires businesses to have relevant licences and insurances in place and to have documented business plans, policies and procedures in regards to customer service, health and safety, environmental sustainability, etc. Star-rating however, is concerned with facilities provided by accommodation businesses.
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