The Tourism Society Yorkshire branch held its latest Pie & a Pint at the Black Swan in York on Tuesday evening (12th April) and after renaming the event ‘Pie & a Point!’ there was much discussion about the National Grading Schemes as the ‘Point’ for the evening’s discussion.
With several accommodation providers in attendance we all shared thoughts and suggestions and it created a lively debate so here’s a summary of comments.
· The current system is a flawed business model and there should be a self-financing mandatory inspection system for the business to be ‘fit for purpose’ then allow business to decide which marketing organisation to use.
· Capability of running the business should also be part of this
· The public sector always lags behind what is happening in the market/online and so the industry should get its own act together to set the standard for grading
· The Trip Advisor system has dangers as there is no requirement for a stay before comments can be posted – other booking engines require a booking reference before allowing comments – there should be an industry-approved version of this that allows fair appraisals.
· Self-assessment of grading could be another option
· Social media could be harnessed to develop a system that rates service and quality
The Tourism society Yorkshire branch is setting up a LinkedIn forum for members and non-members to join.
TS Yorkshire Future Events
Tuesday 10th May – Pie, a Point! – Black Swan York
Tuesday 17th May – TMI Hot Topic – Sheffield Hallam University
Thursday 9th June 2011 – James Berresford – CEO of VisitEngland – “The Changing Landscape for English Tourism” – Bedern Hall York.
Monday & Tuesday 4th & 5th July – The Tourism Society Annual Conference - New Forest & Beaulieu National Motor Museum
Thursday 14th July – York Voluntary Guides – guided walk
Keep checking for updates at: http://bit.ly/ecuT3G
