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Business Guidance
In normal circumstances, a certificate will be posted to you within a few weeks. Sometimes a follow-up inspection is required, usually within a month, where there are facilities yet to be provided. There may be a need for the inspector to return for this final check, but there is no charge for this.
If you are interested in obtaining ‘White on Brown’ tourist signage, you should contact your local council Tourism Officer who can provide you with an application form. Local councils coordinate the application process for white on brown tourist signs which involves liaising with Tourism NI and Transport NI.
You can also download a signage application form and a copy of the joint Transport NI – Tourism NI Tourist Signing Policy here.
External advertising signage, either in the grounds of your facility or in any other public space, may require planning permission. Tourism NI recommends that you discuss any proposed external advertising signage with the planning team at your local council prior to erection.
Do not claim to be ‘Tourism NI Recommended’ or ‘Approved’; you may indicate that you have a Tourism NI Certificate, if you wish.
Successful marketing is important for every business and your accommodation business is no different. You could have the most desirable property in your area, but without marketing, no one will know about it.
It is important that the cost of marketing your business is considered early in the planning stage. It is unlikely that the cost of marketing your business will be a one-off payment, so consider marketing as a running business cost and build this into your business plan.
Once certified, your property will be given the option to appear on our consumer website www.discovernorthernireland.com at no additional cost. A short narrative about the property including facilities, nearby attractions, amenities, location and website, as well as up to 10 images can be uploaded. Whilst this website provides a great platform for going online, we recommend that you do not solely rely on this to drive business, but rather use it as part of your overall marketing plan.
Tourism NI also has a large following across a variety of social media platforms. If you have interesting or engaging content you would like to share about your business, you can send your stories to digital@tourismni.com for consideration.
Similarly, if you have a special offer, you will be able to submit your accommodation offers for placement on www.discovernorthernireland.com
Providers are encouraged to direct guests to online review sites or Social Media platforms to post a review of their experience. Customer reviews can highlight positive experiences, verified tips and useful observations. Generating positive feedback may influence potential customers when researching or booking accommodation.
Tourism NI encourages all operators to aim for excellence. By providing enhanced facilities, amenities and additional services, you are more likely to obtain a higher letting rate, be more assured of higher occupancy for longer periods and be more likely to generate profits. These need not involve great capital outlay, but can add considerably to your product. Here are a few ideas:
Guests will be encouraged to stay longer if you have something special to offer. Read the promotional literature from Campus establishments elsewhere for cost-effective ideas which can be adapted for your establishment whatever its size. You should also look at the existing establishments in your intended area of operation, the facilities they offer and the rates charged.
Tourism NI, in its promotion of sensible, sensitive and sustainable tourism, encourages ‘good housekeeping’ schemes such as recycling, energy conservation and waste minimisation. For further information on addressing environmental impacts, download Tourism NI’s ‘Going Green’ Guide.
For more information/application forms for certification contact the Quality and Standards Department:
Tel: 028 9044 1545
You can also email this department at qa@tourismni.com or write to us at our offices at:
Tourism Northern Ireland, Floors 10-12 Linum Chambers, Bedford Square, Bedford Street, Belfast, BT2 7ES.
If you are interested in becoming Quality Graded, you can apply now online.
Apply Now