TQUAL Reminder
We wanted to remind accredited businesses that they can now get access to the TQUAL Mark which is currently being promoted by Tourism Australia. You should have received an email from ATAP with instructions on how to get access to the TQUAL mark.
To recap, the Federal Government has recently launched a National Tourism Accreditation Framework (NTAF). NTAF endeavours to set national standards for accreditation programs operating in Australia by providing an umbrella framework. They have introduced a symbol of quality known as the TQUAL mark that can be used by operators that have been awarded accreditation by a NTAF approved program.
ATAP is the first accreditation program to be approved under the new framework. As we already met the high standards set in this framework there is no additional requirements for our businesses but by maintaining your ATAP status you become a NTAF approved operator and will get access to co-brand the TQUAL mark with the already well established ATAP brand.
As a NTAF approved operator, you will benefit from:
- The Australian Government’s investment $5.5 million in the NTAF, with a large proportion of this going into national and global marketing by Tourism Australia;
- Co-branding with the NTAF’s national symbol of quality, the TQUAL mark;
- Promotion of the TQUAL mark to consumers that will increase the visibility of your business and highlight your commitment to quality; and
- Preferential listing on Australia.com and on your State or Territory Tourism Organisation’s website
To get access to the TQUAL mark you will need to agree to the sub-licence. If you have not received the sub-licence or would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact ATAP on (03) 9620 4199 or info@atapvic.net.au.
I am proudly displaying my accreditation tick and TQUAL mark but was disappointed to read in another article that AAAT have been granted program accreditation too – if that is true, having a TQUAL mark will be like something in a weeties packet. The work done to earn ATAP accreditation is no comparison to having star rating done (and we are a 4.5 star property)
For businesses that are accredited with ATAP we hope that the TQUAL mark will further enhance the message of their commitment to quality business practices, rather than replace it.
The accreditation tick logo will continue to be available only to those accreditation programs that have met the Australian Tourism Standards and are endorsed by Tourism Accreditation Australia Ltd (TAAL). These programs currently include ATAP, Eco Tourism, Australian Camps Association, Museums Accreditation and the Caravan and Recreational Vehicle Association. Star rated properties will not be able to access this logo unless they are a part of a program endorsed by TAAL.
The TQUAL logo will be available to operators that are a part of a program that has successfully applied for a licence with the National Tourism Accreditation Framework. Currently there are only three programs that have been successful – ATAP, Eco Tourism and AAA Tourism. This does mean that businesses that have a star rating can get access to the TQUAL logo, however there are additional requirements that the business must undertake with AAA Tourism before they meet the NTAF standards and can gain access to the TQUAL mark.