Grading chaos as scots go it alone

By Angela Jameson

Two years of talks on harmonising hotel grading across the UK ended in confusion this week, when the English Tourist Board (ETB) announced it would proceed with one scheme, while the Scottish Tourist Board (STB) pursues another.

The ETB devised its new scheme with the AA and RAC, but the Scots decided quality needed to be given greater importance than facilities when grading hotels.

David Quarmby, chairman of the ETB, said: "It's not an ideal situation but it's important to focus on what we have achieved rather than our differences."

The English system, based on a one- to five-star rating with quality grading integrated, will appear in guide books for the year 2000.

The STB will also introduce stars, but its rating will be based solely on quality criteria, except at four- and five-star level. The Wales Tourist Board is to consult further with the industry before deciding whether to join the ETB's scheme.

The STB's decision to go its own way has divided industry opinion north and south of the border.

AA managing director Peter Johnson was critical of the Scots' decision: "Their own proposals were made very late in the day [last month] and they were not well developed. But we are still hoping, even at this late stage, they will have a change of heart."

Richard Tobias, chief executive of the British Incoming Tour Operators Association, commented: "How on earth can overseas visitors be expected to make a considered and meaningful choice?"

Martin Cummings, proprietor of Amberley Castle Country House Hotel, in Arundel, West Sussex, said the move "already smells of fudge". He added: "Surely the British Tourist Authority has enough weight to make sure we get one system that works."

Meanwhile, STB chief executive Tom Buncle defended the board's decision: "We felt very strongly that the emphasis in Scotland on quality should remain the predominant feature of our scheme."

Scottish hoteliers moved quickly to applaud the STB's firm line. Ken McCulloch, proprietor of Glasgow's One Devonshire Gardens, said he was 100% behind the STB. "I don't know how you can have a grading system that isn't based on quality," he added.