FAQ's

• As a visitor, what can I expect from accredited businesses?
• As an operator, what’s in it for me and my business?
• Are all tourism businesses in the Northern Territory accredited?
• Is accreditation the same as the star rating?
• Who manages Accreditation in the Northern Territory?
• Is Tourism Accreditation unique to the Northern Territory?
• Can all businesses become Accredited?
• I am starting up a tourism business. Should I wait until my business is established before embarking on Accreditation?
• How do I find an Accredited Business?
• Why is Accreditation important for Tourism businesses?
• What is the difference between a registered business and an Accredited business?

1. As a visitor, what can I expect from accredited businesses?

You are entitled to expect:

• Professional standards in customer service
• Consistency and reliability in the delivery of service
• Compliance with relevant business licences
• Adherence to sound environmental practices
• Attention to customer safety and comfort
• Dedication to continuous improvement

2. As an operator, what's in it for me and my business?

The Territory Government and the Regional Tourism Organisations support accredited businesses by offering incentives. Details of these can be found by contacting the Manager of the NT Tourism Accreditation Program.

3. Are all tourism businesses in the Northern Territory accredited?

No. Accreditation is not mandatory therefore not all tourism businesses in the Northern Territory are accredited.
Tourism NT has implemented an Accreditation Policy, details of which can be found here. Over 3,000 tourism businesses are accredited nationally.

4. Is accreditation the same as the star rating?

No. Accreditation is concerned with all the 'back of house' elements of your business. Therefore, Accreditation requires businesses to have the relevant licences, permits and insurances in place and have documented business planning, policies and procedures. The requirements are based on areas of a business such as customer service, staff management and health and safety. Star-rating however, is concerned with the 'front-of-house' standards of the business in terms of facilities provided to consumers by the business, including decor & appearance.

5. Who manages Accreditation in the Northern Territory?

Accreditation is an industry initiative and is administered by the Tourism NT.

For further information, please contact the Program Manager here.

6. Is Tourism Accreditation unique to the Northern Territory?

Tourism Accreditation Australia Limited is the national licensing authority for tourism accreditation. Tourism Accreditation is a vital component in the national tourism industry drive towards enhanced professionalism and the competitiveness of Australia's tourism industry.

There are sector-specific programs such as Respect Our Culture, Ecotourism Australia, Camping with Confidence, Caravan Industry, Museums and Events.  For further information, please contact the Program Manager here.

7. Can all businesses become Accredited?

Any business that caters for visitors or operates within the tourism industry is welcome to apply for Accreditation.

There are a number of sector-specific programs available, however, ATAP (NT) is a generic Accreditation program The ATAP (NT) is a generic program catering for tourism industry sectors such as:

• Accommodation
• Attractions
• Tour Operators
• Visitor Information Centres
• Retail
• Transport Operators
• Wineries
• Tourism Organisations
• Consultants

8. I am starting up a tourism business. Should I wait until my business is established before embarking on Accreditation?

Accreditation is a great process to go through as you are starting up your tourism business. Although you may not be ready to apply until your business is running, you can still complete many sections of the Accreditation manual. Accreditation requirements will be an excellent guide to implementing effective planning, procedures and policies to get your business going, such as:

• Compliance with legal requirements and appropriate licences and permits
• Compliance with health and safety standards and requirements
• Sound environmental practices
• Effective staff management procedures
• Effective customer service standards
• Effective business monitoring controls

9. How do I find an Accredited Business?

(a) Accredited businesses that are listed in travel guides or tourism publications usually display the Accreditation logo in their advertisements.

(b) Visitor Information Centres and Regional Tourism Associations can provide the names of Accredited businesses in their region.

(c) Ask a tourism operator, manager or staff member if their business is Accredited or look for the Accreditation logo. It should be displayed on the door, wall or counter of their business.

10. Why is Accreditation important for Tourism businesses?

One of the main objectives of Accreditation is to help establish professional standards that are consistent and credible amongst tourism operators throughout Australia.

Accreditation sets benchmarks and provides assistance so that tourism businesses throughout Australia, although unique in the experience or product that they provide consumers, operate to a consistent standard of professionalism.

Accreditation allows businesses to be rewarded and acknowledged in their commitment to professionalism. It provides consumers and visitors with the confidence to expect the same level of professional business practice as they travel from one Accredited business to another. Accreditation also provides other tourism businesses and regulatory bodies with an understanding that industry needs are being met through a more uniform level of practice.