Star Ratings
Star Ratings are an internationally recognized symbol for quality accommodation standards, used in more than 70 countries around the world. Star Ratings are determined by a suite of more than 200 criteria that have been ranked by Australian travelers according to what’s important to them, reflecting the cleanliness, quality and condition of guest facilities.
The program works to safeguard against ‘self-ratings’; which occur when properties assign their own star rating by assessing their own quality standards. Self-ratings are not calculated according to a consistent or reliable standard and are not verified by an independent body. The Star symbol is a registered trademark, which means only Star Rated licensees can display star ratings and unlicensed properties displaying star ratings are in breach of trademark practices.
What do the Star Ratings mean?
Properties receive a rating of up to five (5) stars, calculated according to standards across three key assessment areas:
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Quality and condition
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Facilities and services
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Cleanliness
Program eligibility:
Star Ratings are awarded to accommodation providers across six categories. Criteria can vary between categories. The six categories include:
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Hotels: All rooms have bathroom access and all bedding and bathroom requirements are included. Property representatives, or management are available 24/7.
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Motels: All rooms have a private ensuite and all bedding and bathroom requirements are included. Rooms have access to parking and property representatives, or management are available 24/7.
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Serviced apartments: Serviced and contained apartment accommodation with daily housekeeping and property representatives or management are available 24/7. Apartments have private bathroom and kitchen facilities and all bedding and bathroom requirements are included.
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Hosted Accommodation: Hosted accommodation where a resident host/manager interacts with guests throughout their stay, includes breakfast and all bedding and bathroom requirements. Can include B&Bs and glamping experiences.
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Caravan-Holiday parks: Caravan and holiday parks with shower and toilet facilities and property representatives or management available 24/7
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Self Catering accommodation: Self-catered accommodation facilities with complete bathroom and kitchen facilities and property representatives or management available 24/7
What are the benefits?
In addition to receiving increased credibility, competitiveness and reputation, Star Ratings accredited properties enjoy a range of valuable benefits to their business:
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The property is licensed to use the registered Star Ratings trademarks in their marketing material
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Receive a FREE property listing on starratings.com.au and trustthetick.com.au, both of which support direct guest bookings
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Eligibility for entry into the Queensland Tourism Awards
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Receive access to your own FREE ReviewPro dashboard, allowing you to collate and manage all of your guest reviews in one place. Receive an exclusive Traveller’s Rating which incorporates a guest review score into your Star Rating
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Use the accreditation’s business development processes to identify and establish goals for ongoing improvement
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Receive a site assessment visit every three years to verify your Star Rating standard and reflect best practice for soft and hard refurbishments
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Recognition for points in Tourism and Events Queensland’s Best of Queensland Experiences campaign
- Recognition of your accreditation via your listing with the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse
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Inclusion in the Australian Tourism Industry Council’s (ATIC) national advertising campaigns to promote Star Rated properties
- Entry into the annual Gold List of Australian Accommodation, curated by ATIC
What does the process involve?
Star Ratings accreditation applications are completed online. The accreditation process is detailed in the infographic below. As you will see, following your online application, a provisional Star Rating is granted until first site assessment is conducted. Your first site assessment will verify the standards claimed in your application and determine the appropriate Star Rating for your property.
Registrations:
To register, visit https://online.qualitytourismaustralia.com/If you would like further information on the program, or have questions about the process or your eligibility, please contact our Accreditation Project Officer: accreditation@qtic.com.au
How much does it cost?
Annual fees are based on the number of annual full-time equivalent persons working within the organisation, whether employed as staff or through a contract arrangement, including owner operator. This calculation takes in the seasonal peaks and troughs of your annual operations. Volunteers and other unpaid workers are not included in your calculation.Already a QTIC Member?
QTIC Members are eligible for discounts on the QTF Accreditation programs:
QTIC Supporter: Receive 10% OFF standard fees
QTIC Advocate: Receive 25% OFF standard fees
QTIC Champion: Receive 1 FREE accreditation listing
Want more information?
Our Accreditation Project Officer is happy to help.Emily Ellis
Email: accreditation@qtic.com.au
Phone: 07 3238 1969
Star Ratings testimonials:
“Saltbush Retreat has participated in the Star Rating accreditation program for the last two years. As the only official 4 star rated property in Longreach and the Central West Outback region, we recognize the potential benefits to our business marketing by being part of this program. The fact that the star rating is internationally recognised supports our marketing strategies which target the International Experience seeker segment. We believe our guests gain confidence in booking our authentic outback accommodation knowing we are independently reviewed against accepted Australian standards. Our star rating accreditation also contributed to our inclusion in Tourism and Events Queensland’s Best of Queensland program.”
Saltbush Retreat | Longreach, Outback QLD
4 Star Rated