A: The South Australian Tourism Accreditation Board (SATAB) administers the program. The SATAB is a not-for-profit organisation with volunteer Board members drawn from the South Australian tourism industry.

The Accreditation Program is not a Government initiative, however the South Australian Tourism Commission supports Tourism Accreditation and is progressively extending greater benefits to Accredited Operators.

Q: What is the difference between Accreditation and the star-rating?

A: Accreditation is concerned with how a business is managed and operated. Accreditation values and acknowledges professional, quality and reliable management of tourism businesses. Star-rating on the other hand is concerned with 'physical' standards of the business and facilities provided.

Q: How long does the accreditation process take?
A: It depends on the size and nature of your business. Operators have six months to complete the accreditation manual. Extensions can be negotiated if required.

Q: What 'specific criteria' is required in the Tourism Accreditation Manual?

A: The Tourism Accreditation Manual documents the quality management practices of your tourism business.

To become an Accredited Tourism operator, the following sections need to be documented in your Tourism Accreditation Manual:

Business Information
- History, background and main facilities offered
- Marketing material and information
- Special provisions and facilities
Legal Requirements
- Business Registration
- Relevant Licences
- Insurance & WorkCover
- Code of Ethics
Business Objectives, Marketing and Financial Procedures
- Marketing Plan
- Budget
Operational Procedures
- Customer Service
- Maintenance
- Health & Safety
Staff & Management
- Record of Human Resources
- Personnel Files
- Roster maintenance
- Staff Recruitments
- Job Descriptions
- Organisational Chart
Skills & Training
- New Employee Induction Checklist
- Skills / Experience of Employees
- Current Training Schedule
Environmental Management
- Environmental Policy
- Identifying Environmental Impacts
- Initial Environmental Review Checklist
- Environmental Management Initiatives

Q: What if I am having difficulty with the manual?
A: You are welcome to contact the Tourism Accreditation Manager and go through your concerns over the phone. We can also arrange a one-on-one meeting, at your business or the SATAB office.
In addition, there are regular regional workshops for registered operators which are designed as small and personalised sessions with the Tourism Accreditation Manager.

All regional workshops and one-on-one meetings are offered at no charge to the operator.

Q: When I submit my manual for a desktop review, what happens if I do no meet the National Standard?

A: Once each section of the manual is reviewed, you will be informed in writing of any areas that need improvement. You will then have the opportunity and assistance to revise your submission until a satisfactory outcome has been met.

Q: Do I have to update my Accreditation Manual?
A: The accreditation manual will become your operational manual, you should update it when changes occur in your organisation.

Q: How often are on-site Assessment visits scheduled and what is involved?
A: Onsite verifications take place bi-annually. A visit is pre-arranged and all information sighted is treated as strictly confidential.
If there are any areas for improvement, a written Accreditation Review Summary will outline the details. You will then be requested to address any issues.

Q: I am in the process of selling my accredited tourism business. Are the new owners able to automatically obtain accreditation status with the purchase?
A: As the accreditation program is concentrated around the quality of management, accreditation status cannot be automatically transferred on to a new owner. The business would revert to registered status until the new owners submit a revised version of the manual that meets the National Standard.

Q: What does the accreditation logo signify to consumers?

A: The distinctive 'tick on a star' logo offers the assurance of:

Quality
Reliability
Professionalism
Accuracy in Advertising
Environmental Practices
Adherence to a Code of Ethics

Q: How will accreditation improve my business performance?
A: Accreditation documents the systematic running of your business, incorporating business planning, human resource, financial, legal and environmental requirements.

The program provides operators with a self-assessment mechanism resulting in higher levels of efficiency, consistency in business practices, increased consumer confidence and positive product recognition.

Get registered by completing the registration form (65kb PDF) and post or fax together with payment to the:

South Australian Tourism Accreditation Board

GPO Box 1972

ADELAIDE SA 5001

Phone: (08) 8463 4511

Fax: (08) 7421 0275