Tourist Accommodation Grading

NITB’s Quality Assurance Grading Scheme for tourist accommodation premises is designed to give visitors a clear idea of the standards of hospitality, service, cleanliness, comfort and food which they can expect during their stay.  The scheme is open to hotels, guest houses, B&B’s, self-catering, hostels and guest accommodation.

Whilst it is a legal obligation for all tourist accommodation providers to have a certificate from NITB in order to operate, participating on the Quality Assurance Grading Scheme is voluntary.  Research does show that consumers value the star ratings provided by national tourist boards when planning where to stay. 

NITB’s Quality Assurance Grading Scheme is the same common standards scheme that is used by the AA and other national tourist boards in Scotland, England and Wales.

For more information on the grading process and Quality Scheme fees please see Quality Grading Assessments.  

Benefits of Being Quality Graded

A large majority of tourist accommodation providers in England, Scotland and Wales participate in their national tourist boards’ Quality Assurance Grading Schemes.  Research has shown that consumers value the star ratings provided by national tourist boards when they are planning where to stay.  Other benefits of being part of the grading scheme for accommodation providers include:

• Access to one-to-one advice from a team of experienced Quality Advisors.      
• Provision of a written report highlighting the strengths and weaknesses within your business with advice on how to maximise customer satisfaction.      
• Access to NITB marketing support, including a priority display on NITB’s consumer website discovernorthernireland.com – which receives over 2.9 million visitors each year, with more than 375,000 visitors sourcing information on tourist accommodation.    
• Provision of a suite of marketing support materials, including a star-rating plaque, window sticker, certificate and web logo for use on your website and social media channels.    
• Access to NITB’s specialist Welcome Schemes.    
• Priority entry to NITB’s Industry Development Programme of Events, including training seminars, workshops and master classes, etc.    

Benefits of Being Quality Graded (PDF)

Further Information - Quality Scheme Guidance Notes and Criteria

Guidance Notes on the NITB Quality Grading Scheme:

• Guidance Notes for B&Bs, Guest Houses and Guest Accommodation Operators on Quality Grading .
• Guidance Notes for Hostels on Quality Grading .
• Guidance Notes for Hotels on Quality Grading.
• Guidance Notes for Self Catering Operators on Quality Grading.

Assessment Criteria of the NITB Quality Grading Scheme:

• Assessment Criteria for B&Bs, Guest Houses and Guest Accommodation Providers on Quality Grading.
• Assessment Criteria for Exclusive Use Venue Providers on Quality Grading.
• Assessment Criteria for Hostels on Quality Grading.
• Assessment Criteria for Hotel Operators on Quality Grading.
• Assessment Criteria for Self Catering Operators on Quality Grading.

Terms and Conditions

• Accommodation Quality Scheme Schedule of Conditions.