Registration and Grading

Quality Standards in registered Tourist Accommodation

There are five levels of quality rating from One to Five Stars. To obtain the higher Star rating a progressively higher quality standard and range of services and physical facilities should be provided across all areas with particular emphasis inn Five Key areas – Cleanliness, Service, Food, Bedroom and Bathrooms.

All Hotels, Guest Accommodation and Self Catering accommodation have been positioned in one of the following descriptive sub categories to help the consumer understand the different types of accommodation available: Hotel, Country House Hotel, Small Hotel, Town House Hotel and Metro Hotel.

Guest Accommodation sub categories are: Bed and Breakfast, Guest House, Farmhouse, Inn, Restaurant with Rooms and Guest Accommodation.

The Self Catering sub categories are: Self Catering Accommodation and Self Catering serviced apartments.

Holiday Hostels receive a Listed Classification and Grading, Camping Sites have a Listed or 1 – 5 Key Classification and Grading and Travel Accommodation register have to meet minimum standard criteria.

Registration and Grading Commission

The Registration and Grading Commission is a committee of the Department of Tourism and Leisure with delegated responsibility from the Minister of Tourism and Leisure for the registration, and rating of tourist premises. The Isle of Man operates compulsory registration of all tourist premises under the Tourist Act 1975. Current registration fees are under the Tourist (General)(Fees)(Amendment) Regulations 2002.

All registered tourist premises display a Registration Certificate and External Signage showing Rating awarded for each registration year 12th February to 11th February annually. The Isle of Man Star Rating Standards are harmonised with those operated by Visit Britain, Visit Scotland, Wales Tourist Board, Visit Guernsey, Visit Jersey, and the AA (Hotels and Guest Accommodation).

In addition the Registration and Grading Commission produce statistics of the tourist accommodation industry and offer a free advisory service not just too registered proprietors but to potential proprietors who are thinking of setting up in the industry. The tourist accommodation industry is witnessing dramatic change on the Isle of Man. Alongside traditional resort accommodation the trend is now towards Quality Bed and Breakfast and rural Self Catering accommodation. The industry is under constant adjustment to provide a quality product which meets the current needs and expectations of increasingly discerning visitors to the Isle of Man.

A small number of Guest Accommodation have now been awarded Gold and Silver Accolades which reflect the highest standards of Quality, Hospitality and Services.

For more information please contact the Registration and Grading Commission Tel No – 01624 687083 julie.shorrock@.gov.im

Common Standards

The Department of Tourism & Leisure is committed to improving quality within the Tourism Industry, including the area of Hospitality.

Common Standards were introduced in England, Wales, Scotland and Guernsey in 2006, after market research confirmed the need for an easily understood and uniform method for rating tourist accommodation, to ensure consistency and meet customer expectations. Indications from our Industry Partners have confirmed that this has had a very positive response from both the Hospitality industry and its customers.

To achieve a quality product all elements of the tourism experience must meet or exceed consumer expectations.

The raising of standards is crucial to the future development of tourism in the Isle of Man and we must deliver a product of at least comparative quality to that offered across the British Isles and Channel Islands.