EVER wondered what happens during an assessment to get a star rating? East Lindsey District Council is giving local accommodation businesses in Skegness the opportunity to find out first hand. Proprietors are invited to meet a VisitBritain assessor and watch them as they carry out a live assessment of a Skegness hotel. Places on the two-hour Quality Street event are free of charge, so book now to avoid disappointment as only 15 places are available.
Getting a star rating puts businesses ahead of the competition and shows to prospective guests that a recognised level of quality has been achieved. Businesses can also take advantage of marketing opportunities only available to participants of the scheme. But the process of getting a star rating is often misunderstood, with many still expecting to see an inspector with a clipboard scrutinising every area of the business for things that need to be done differently.
The Quality Street event aims to help proprietors to understand more about the process and dispel the myths. East Lindsey District Council, in association with its partners Lincolnshire Tourism, East Midlands Tourism and VisitBritain is inviting Skegness accommodation businesses to the Palm Court Hotel in Skegness on 12 March from 10 am – 12 pm to see exactly what happens during an assessment. The VisitBritain assessor will describe in detail what they look for at each stage, from the initial booking and first impressions on arrival, through to ongoing customer service and the quality of the bedroom and its facilities.
As someone who visits hundreds of establishments every year, the accommodation assessors know exactly what customers are looking for and what the competition is offering. They are a ‘friend from the industry’ - there to give objective feedback and constructive guidance. They can also provide on-the-spot expert business advice on many aspects of running an accommodation business from marketing opportunities and training through to restaurant menus and future trends.
Alison Macdonald, East Lindsey District Council is running the event. She says "The assessors provide honest, objective feedback on the customer experience. They can also advise those businesses who want to achieve a higher star rating. At the moment, accommodation businesses joining the star rating scheme can apply to take advantage of a special grant, which means there are no fees to pay in the first year."
Partner of Palm Court Hotel, Nigel Tett says the star rating helps keep his product in-tune with visitor needs. "The star rating scheme helps businesses to determine whether they are meeting customer expectations. The criteria set the national benchmark for you to build on.
It’s then up to you as a business to develop your own distinctive style within the destination you’re in."
For more information or to book your free place, contact Alison Macdonald, East Lindsey District Council Tel: 01507 329566 / Email: alison.macdonald@e-lindsey.gov.uk
