Industry Update: ASVA Announces Plans for New Quality Assurance Scheme
Following the recent announcement by VisitScotland regarding the retirement of the current Quality Assurance scheme, the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) has announced that its plan to launch a new scheme owned and guided by the industry that will be open to all ASVA members and attraction members of the current scheme. This initiative will operate on a break-even basis, aligning with the goal to support and develop Scottish attractions. The aim is to start in April 2025.
In creating this new scheme, ASVA has worked closely with members, industry experts and stakeholders to ensure it addresses the diverse needs, challenges, and opportunities facing Scotland’s attractions. ASVA will continue to work closely with VisitScotland to look at what complimentary industry advice and support it can offer ASVA members as it develop its new model of business support.
The approach is driven by the following core principles, designed to ensure that the new Quality Assurance scheme not only meets, but exceeds, the expectations of the industry and the attractions it serves.
Core Principles of the New Scheme:
-Commitment to World-Class Standards: By incorporating international best practices, we aim to deliver a globally recognised quality scheme.
-Industry-Owned and Agile: The new scheme will be led by ASVA, with the industry actively guiding its strategic and operational development.
-Enhanced Star Grading and Marketing Content: We will continue to provide star gradings while adding new branding and content support to empower our members in marketing their attractions.
-Improved Training: Building on our current offerings, we plan to increase the quality, access, and availability of training specific to this new scheme.
-Data Dashboard and Targeted Learning: A new benchmarking dashboard will inform members about industry standards and support learning trips to improve quality.
While the cost is expected to be higher than the previous scheme, ASVA believes the added benefits – industry-led standards, enhanced training, improved marketing support, and valuable data insights – provide the best value for members.
CEO of ASVA, Michael Golding said: “We are excited to bring forward a Quality Assurance scheme that truly reflects the needs of our industry. We are committed to our vision for world-class Scottish attractions, and the incredible experiences they provide to visitors from around the world, that underpin the success of Scotland’s tourism industry as a whole.”
Chair of ASVA, Paul Nixon said: “This scheme is being developed by the industry, for the industry. We encourage all members to participate in the ongoing consultation to shape a scheme that will drive excellence across Scottish visitor attractions.”
