Accreditation Program
The Accreditation Program is a business development program that is based on Quality Assurance principles and is aligned to the Australian and International Standards for Quality Management Systems – ISO 9000.
The Program addresses many of the issues that are covered in the development of a business plan but focuses on those key elements that are part of the day-to-day function of any tourism operation.
This is achieved by the development of professional management systems that will lead to reliability, consistency and predictability in the operation of the business, which in turn results in improved customer service and satisfaction.
The process for achieving accreditation
You will need a copy of the Information Book and an Accreditation Manual. The Manuals seven sections will guide you through the process and assist you to demonstrate a professional and sustainable approach to your business.
Click here to download the National Tourism Accreditation Information Book.
To register and receive the Accreditation Manual, complete the registration form and either send it to us by mail to GPO Box 287, CANBERRA, ACT 2601 or fax to 02 6232 4711.
Click here to download the National Tourism Accreditation registration form.
or if you would like more information about accreditation and how it can benefit your organisation, contact us by phone on 02 6283 5242 or click to email us.
We would be happy to meet with you at your convenience to discuss the National Tourism Accreditation Program.
Steps to achieving accreditation:
Step 1: Read through the information in the Information Book, paying careful attention to the requirements listed at the end.
Step 2: Complete the Registration Form. There is a one-off fee for registration of $55 payable for the Accreditation Manual. Once your registration and payment have been received, the Program Manager will provide you with an Accreditation Manual.
In the mean time, refer to the Checklist of Requirements in the back of the Information Book and tick off what you may already have in place.
Step 3: Work through the sections of the Program. The pages in each section will outline the requirements you need to meet. Guidelines and examples are available for you if you require them, thus easily creating your own documentation. Please provide written evidence of each requirement listed in each section.
Step 4: Once completed, the Manual should be forwarded to the Program Manager for Desktop Verification. (Mail and email address in the front of the Manual). Please include all requested documents, copies of licences and permits.
On receipt of your completed Manual, you will be sent a letter of confirmation. Your submission will be assessed by the Program Manger and forwarded to the Panel for approval. (A Desktop Verification)
Keep the material simple; do not drown yourself in paperwork. Information you provide will be applicable to the size and nature of your business. By involving employees in the process of achieving accreditation they will gain a greater understanding of your business.
If, as a result of the assessment, it is found that additional information is required, the Program Manager will contact you to discuss additional requirements. You can then re-submit for Desktop Verification.
Step 5: After successful verification you will receive a letter confirming Accreditation Status your Accreditation Certificate and your Logo. You will also be issued with an invoice for the Annual Fee.
Step 6: An Onsite Verification will be carried out within one year of your Desktop Verification. An Accreditation Reviewer will assess your compliance with the requirements set out in the Program and will consider your actual operation against the documentation presented in your desk-top submission.
The National Tourism Accreditation Program (ACT and Region) Process
CLICK HERE to download a flowchart of the process.
Other details you should know
Confidentiality
All information and documentation supplied by your business will be treated as strictly confidential and will only be reviewed as part of the Accreditation Program process.
Accreditation Registration Fee
The Accreditation Manual is available in hard copy and CD ROM. The cost is a one off $55 fee for each business, GST inclusive.
Annual Accreditation Fees
Annual fees are based on the number of full-time equivalent employees, whereby 2 part-time or 3 casual staff members equals 1 full-time equivalent. Owner/operators and working directors should be included. Volunteers and other unpaid workers are not included in your calculation.
Annual Fees (GST inclusive) are as follows;
| TIC Member | TIC Non-Member | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee Numbers: (Fulltime Equivalent) |
1 to 5 | $157.50 | $175 |
| 6 to 10 | $270 | $300 | |
| 11 to 25 | $387 | $430 | |
| 26 to 50 | $630 | $700 | |
| 51 to 100 | $900 | $1,000 | |
| 101+ | $1,170 | $1,300 |
Period of Accreditation and Renewals
Your business is Accredited for twelve months from the date you gained accreditation status, subject to annual renewals. Each year you are required to complete a Renewal Registration Form and resubmit all requested documentation and any additional documentation that may have occurred in the previous twelve months. Renewal Forms will be sent out two (2) months prior to your renewal date. If you do not renew your registration and do not pay the annual fees, your accreditation will be cancelled.
Cycle of Accreditation
- The 1st 12 months - Desk-top and On-site Verification within twelve months
- The 2nd 12 months - Desk-top Verification at Renewal
- The 3rd 12 months - Desk-top Verification at Renewal and On-site Verification within twelve months
On- Site Verification and Reviews
Within 12 months of the Desktop Verification, an onsite visit will be conducted to verify your desktop submission. Your Program Manager will complete a report which looks for conformity to the requirements in the Program and also will check to ensure that you are actually doing what you told us you were doing in the desk top submission.
Please Note: Be assured that the Program Manager will not have any interest in the financial records of your business during the Onsite Verification.
Program Levels
All businesses undertake the same Program regardless of size however the level of detail that you provide for each component should be as applicable to the size and nature of your business. Additional sectoral requirements may also need to be adhered to. The Program Manager will advise you in this instance.
Developing the Required Documentation
Use existing material if you have it in place – do not reinvent the wheel. Model documentation is supplied on disk. You can use these examples or design your own but keep the material simple and do not drown yourself in paperwork.
You are not required to complete all of the examples provided in order to achieve Accreditation. Information should be provided as applicable to the size and nature of the business. All staff in the business should be involved in the development of these processes and understand them.
At all levels, assistance in the form of counselling and training is available however it must be understood that the documented management system belongs entirely to the participating business.
How long will it take to complete?
The amount of time needed to complete the documentation and achieve Accreditation will depend largely on the nature, size and preparedness of the business. Many businesses already have some or all of the documentation in place. This is an opportunity for you to work on your business rather than in it, so treat the time spent as an investment in your future.
The sooner you work through the Program, the sooner your business will reap the rewards of Accreditation.
Compliance
Accredited businesses have made an ethical and professional commitment to maintain a level of standard, conduct and performance, as set out in the Program. Businesses that do not abide by these conditions may have their Accreditation status revoked. Reasons may include:
- Inability to meet and maintain the requirements set out in the Program.
- A substantiated complaint reflecting a serious breach of the Accreditation requirements.
- Feedback resulting from a breach of the Accreditation requirements.
If, during the course of an on-site visit, or as a result of a customer complaint made to the Program Manager, a non-compliance is identified, then a Quality Improvement Request will be raised against that business concerned.
The process used is explained in more detail in the Quality Improvement Requests section of the information book.
Accreditation Logo
The Accreditation Program’s nationally recognised logo signals to your customers, colleagues and the industry that you operate a professional business meeting the Australian Tourism Accreditation Standard. Accredited businesses are encouraged to utilise the logo in all facets of promotion and marketing – on stationery, brochures and advertisements. The logo is available electronically from the Program Manager.
Where Accreditation is cancelled, businesses must immediately cease to utilise the Accreditation logo, remove the sticker and return the logo bromides and other material to the Program Manager. You will also endeavor to do your best to recall from the market place all distributed marketing material that displays the logo.