AA takes over VisitEngland quality assessment scheme

The AA has taken over the VisitEngland quality assessment and star rating scheme, following a delay between the two parties in signing the contract.

Responsibility for VisitEngland's quality assessment scheme was due to be transferred to the AA on 1 April, but was delayed while details of the three-year contract were still being resolved.

The VisitEngland scheme will remain separate from the AA's assessment scheme, with each having his own team of inspectors. A statement from VisitEngland said: "All current ratings, logos, marques and accolades remain unchanged and there will be no discernible change for participants."

Sally Balcombe, chief executive, VisitEngland, said she was "delighted" to announce the contract which "guarantees the standards and expectations our scheme participants have come to expect whilst maintaining continuity of service and also matching our ambitions to develop the schemes further and add value".

Andrew Oxley, former general manager of the four-AA-star, 100-bedroom Down Hall Country House hotel in Hatfield Heath, Hertfordshire, who took over as head of hotel services at the AA last week, added that being awarded the licence to run the VisitEngland schemes was the start of "an exciting new chapter" in the organisation's history.

"For the past 20 years we have worked together closely in developing the common standards, and we now look forward to supporting VisitEngland's aims of helping a wide range of tourism businesses grow in quality and profitability."

VisitEngland's quality assessment scheme was previously operated under licence by Quality in Tourism, a subsidiary of the security company G4S. The AA was granted a three-year contract to run the scheme following a tender process.

AA and VisitEngland fail to sign quality assessment agreement >>

AA to take over VisitEngland's quality assessment scheme >>

AA appoints hotel general manager as head of hotel services >>

Videos from The Caterer archives

Are you looking for a new role? See all the current hospitality vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs