Understanding Qualmark

The Qualmark system is made up of:

Star grading - for accommodation and venues
Endorsement - for activities, transport, visitor services and tour operators.
Enviro rating - for recognition of high performers in environmental practice (Qualmark Green)

All Qualmark businesses are assessed on environmental practices and businesses that perform to a high standard in this area can display a Qualmark Green ‘Enviro’ logo. Click here for more information on Qualmark Green.

1. Star grading:

Broken into eight categories each with its own criteria. These include:

	1. Backpackers Includes budget "shared" accommodation in a hostel, lodge or 'hotels'

	2. Guest and Hosted Incorporates bed & breakfasts, farm and home stays, guesthouses, boutique lodges, inns, country hotels and similar establishments providing "home-like" or "character" accommodation.

	3. Holiday Home Includes serviced holiday cottages to luxurious lodges.

	4. Holiday Park Includes camping grounds and motor camps. All properties provide communal kitchens, toilets, showers and laundries.

	5. Hotel Includes properties with at least one licensed bar and restaurant, on the premises or adjacent, with charge back facilities.

	6. Self Contained and Serviced Includes motels, motor lodges, serviced apartments and serviced holiday cottages. All properties include at least tea and coffee-making facilities and a private ensuite. Frequently, cooking facilities are provided for guests.

	7. Student Accommodation Includes tertiary-level student accommodation provided by universities, polytechnics and other alternative tertiary education providers.

	8. Venues Includes free standing convention centres, event centres, performing arts venues, sports stadiums, municipal halls, indoor arenas and other entertainment or meeting venues.

Exclusive

Is for luxury accommodation and does not have a star grade. Exclusive properties must first achieve a five star grade with a 95% or better score within the Hotel, Self Contained and Serviced or Guest Hosted assessment criteria. They then must meet additional requirements.

The Exclusive category includes intimate, exclusive and highly individual establishments that offer the finest of locations, facilities, activities and service. They range from destination retreats offering golf, fishing, food and wine or wilderness adventures, to stylish hotels and secluded beach or river front villas.

They are escapes from the norm, with incomparable locations, admirably discreet staff, faultless service and outstanding activities and excursions. There are only a small number of properties that are eligible for this 'best of the best' category.

2. Endorsement

Qualmark endorsement is applied across five categories:
- Transport
- Activities
- Tour operators
- Visitor services
- Visitor centres
Endorsement logo identifies a tourism business has met or exceeded accepted tourism industry quality standards
Qualmark endorsed businesses identify professional and trustworthy experiences
Endorsement does not include a star grading.

3. Enviro rating

Qualmark Green includes assessment in areas of waste management, energy efficiency, water use, environmental conservation and community support.
If a property scores well in this area they can apply to display a Qualmark Green ‘Enviro’ logo. Depending on level of environmental business practices (variety and amount), one of the three green ‘Enviro’ logos is awarded; ‘Enviro-Gold’, ‘Enviro-Silver’ or ‘Enviro-Bronze’.