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Quality development

An overriding priority for the Tourism Development Plan is to improve the quality of the Island's tourism product in-line with visitors' increasing expectations. Isle of Wight Tourism's Quality Development Officer works in partnership with a number of organisations, including the Chamber of Commerce Tourism and Industry and a range Isle of Wight Council Departments, helping to develop and grow tourism businesses on the Island. This service provides businesses with assistance, advice and support on a wide range of matters such as Quality Assurance and legislation, as well as offering a variety of interesting and relevant workshops and training opportunities. The following information details the services provided: -

Quality Assurance: - for Accommodation Providers - Isle of Wight Tourism will only promote accommodation providers that participate in an annual National Quality Assurance Scheme provided by Visitbritain, AA Hotel Services or RAC

For Eating Out Establishments - Isle of Wight Tourism have recently developed a new Quality Assurance scheme for Eating Out establishments on the Isle of Wight which is being adopted nationwide. The scheme acts as a guide to quality standards not only for the customer but also for the operator. It also highlights the use of local produce

Complaints - Isle of Wight Tourism operates a complaint handling service. We work with Isle of Wight Council's Trading Standards Department and the National Quality Assurance bodies, in order to seek an acceptable resolution for all concerned.

Business Advice, Assistance and Support Services: -

Isle of Wight Tourism's Quality Development Officer works closely with The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Tourism & Industry Association, Business Link and Council Departments supporting tourism businesses at every stage of their development.

Business Advice - We can help you with specific advice or assistance on a matter relating to your business, for example the Disability Discrimination Act or if you are considering upgrading.

New Developments - Isle of Wight Tourism works in collaboration with the Planning Department, Isle of Wight Economic Partnership and the AONB Unit, in order to ensure new developments and products are in-line with the Tourism Development Plan. New developments must be achievable, realistic and commercially viable, environmental considerations must be taken into account alongside social and economic factors. Isle of Wight Tourism can offer advice and direction in these matters.

Tourism Brown Signs - In conjunction with the Highways department Isle of Wight Tourism co-ordinates the Island's Tourism Brown Signs.

Green Island Awards - The Island has one of the foremost schemes in the UK that encourages and enables businesses to work in an environmentally beneficial way - saving water, reducing waste, reducing energy use, using local produce and, ultimately, in most cases saving money! Isle of Wight Tourism can put you in touch with a FREE advisory service to help you go green.

Training Opportunities: -

Isle of Wight Tourism in partnership with The Tourism Skills Network South East and the Island's new Centre of Vocational Excellence in Hospitality (COVE) and the Isle of Wight College are working together to promote the productivity and business competitiveness of the tourism industry on the Isle of Wight. By working with key partners Isle of Wight Tourism can help to deliver training courses and workshops that are designed to especially meet the needs of the tourism industry. These workshops are delivered on a rolling year programme available throughout the Island - most are offered FREE to eligible businesses. The following are an example of the workshops available: --

• Customer Service
• Legislation
• Accessibility
• Catering Skills
• Marketing
• IT
• Local Distinctiveness
• Welcome to Excellence programme

CONTACTS For further information on Quality Development contact 01983 823099 Ext: 5870