VAQAS

Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Service (VAQAS) has been developed to provide a number of tools to assist attractions to enhance quality and share best practice. Establishments are inspected on an annual basis by an experienced quality assurance inspector, a debrief takes place at the end of the visit and you will receive an assessment report of the main points highlighted at the debrief.

One of the key aims and objectives of the Visit Hull & East Yorkshire DMO is to drive quality improvement, product upgrade, service culture and civic pride. We are committed to working in partnership to support local businesses to raise the quality of the visitor destination.

With this in mind the DMO has developed a programme to encourage Visitor Attractions in the Hull & East Yorkshire region to participate in the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS) with the aim of gaining a nationally recognised quality standard for their establishment.

Funding has been made available to offer a three year programme to assist Visitor Attractions through the process, providing 100% funding towards the annual inspection fee in year 1, 50% funding in year 2, and 25 % funding in year 3.

The programme is available to a wide range of attractions and museums of all sizes in the Hull and East Yorkshire Region. Applications are subject to a three year commitment to the scheme and the DMO would like copies of the assessment report so any common issues and improvements can be identified. The DMO will then look to assist museums and attractions in addressing these issues as an ongoing commitment to improving the quality of the visitor experience.

We would like to encourage all Hull & East Yorkshire’s attractions and museums to participate and have already secured commitment for the two local authorities representing 11 or the areas establishments. If you would like apply to take part in the programme or would be interested in finding out more, please contact Barbara Macniven direct on telephone number 01482 486610.