Welcome Schemes
Tourism NI's Welcome Schemes are designed for accommodation providers who are actively participating in Tourism NI's Quality Grading Scheme. For more information click here.
Build your business
Visitors increasingly demand high accommodation standards and the quality of your establishment will influence the future success of your business.
For 75% of consumers, a star rating will influence their choice of hotel. The TNI Quality Grading Scheme is designed to give visitors a clear idea of the standards of accommodation, service and cleanliness, which they can expect during their stay. The scheme is open to hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering, hostels and guest accommodation; with premises having the ability to achieve a grading of between one to five stars.
Whilst it is a legal obligation for all tourist accommodation providers to have a certificate from Tourism NI 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.
Tourism NI’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.
Grading Assessments are conducted each year and are carried out separately from the statutory certification inspection. For serviced accommodation premises the inspections require an initial overnight stay. Premises have the ability to achieve a grading of between one to five stars:
The assessment process for B&Bs, guest houses, guest accommodation, self-catering and hotel operators is as follows.
Step 1 Tourism NI receives and processes your application and payment. A Tourism NI quality Advisor will arrange a time to assess your premises. |
Step 2 The Assessment process takes place. During the actual assessment process you should operate your premises as normal. All serviced accommodation providers will receive an initial incognito overnight visit which will provide our Advisors with an insight into the actual experience received by paying-customers. Self-catering providers will receive a daytime assessment. |
Step 3 On the following morning the Tourism NI advisor will introduce themselves and will take you through the scheme criteria. They will explain how the process works and will provide advice on possible quality improvement and constructive observations. Consultation for all accommodation providers with the Tourism NI Advisor normally last between one to two hours. |
Step 4 An assessment report and a Quality Grading Certificate will be posted to you within 15 working days of the assessment completion. Reminder letters will be forwarded to you 1-month prior to your Quality Grading Expiring |
Category | Per Premises | Minimum Price | Maximum Price | Including VAT |
Hotels | £191 | £191 | £191 | £229.20 |
Small Serviced Accommodation | £156 | £156 | £156 | £187.20 |
Hostel | £158 | £158 | £158 | £189.60 |
Campus | £158 | £158 | £158 | £189.60 |
Self Catering (single unit) | £80 | £80 | £80 | £96.00 |
Self Catering (multiple units) | £80 for first unit, plus £25 for each additonal unit | £80 plus £25 |
£505 (18 units) |
£600.00 (18 units) £30 for each additional unit |
If you would like to find out more information on sourcing local produce please see the following guides:
If you are interested in becoming Quality Graded, you can apply now online.
Apply Now