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For over a century, AA Hotel and Hospitality Services has provided advice and support to the hospitality sector to help businesses reach their full potential.
This spring, supported by VisitEngland, a free compliance accreditation scheme called Visitor Ready was introduced.
Compliance with legislation that covers hospitality and leisure businesses should not be costly or time consuming, and most business owners would agree that their time could be better utilised in the managing of their businesses. With quick review search options available online, consumers are becoming more selective over where they choose to visit and therefore it is more important that businesses can easily demonstrate their commitment to consumer safety as well as ethical practices. Earning the Visitor Ready badge represents a commitment to compliance with core standards, to assure customers they have the necessary checks in place. It means consumers can now visit with confidence.
Having a trusted baseline compliance accreditation which is quick, free and easy to implement, is a welcome new option. “The Visitor Ready scheme represents an innovative new entry point to accreditation,” said Simon Numphud FIH, Managing Director of AA Hotel and Hospitality Services. “Inclusivity for all types of businesses is key. It’s free to the industry.”
Since the launch of Visitor Ready, many associations within the industry have adopted this scheme as a way to boost local businesses and support operators. In the first 5 months of operation, it has become evident how important the scheme is to many businesses because it highlights the necessary checks required for health and safety. Accredited businesses receive ongoing reminders to keep their documentation compliant.
“I highly recommend joining the Visitor Ready Scheme. It was easy to sign up and so useful, not just because it reassures our guests but because they send automatic reminders when important documents need updating,” says Lorna Adamson at Stonecroft Cottage, County Durham.
Determined to grow the scheme across all of the UK, Visitor Ready are working in collaboration with all local regions with the support of industry leaders, such as The National Trust, Institute of Hospitality, Stay in a Pub, and The Bed and Breakfast Association to name a few.
The key is to drive standards within the leisure and tourism industry and as Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, says: “Delivering high standards of health and safety is a priority for hospitality businesses and the Visitor Ready accreditation allows you to demonstrate a commitment to your customers. Businesses can easily apply for the accreditation online and I’d encourage them to do so.”