Support service company GSL UK has been appointed to carry out a new Quality Strategy from 1 April 2005 which will affect both the tourism industry and accommodation ratings across England.

Subject to contract, from April next year, GSL will be responsible for carrying out the assessments, sales and administration in England as part of the new strategy. Until then, Unicorn Tourism and five of the English Regional Tourist Boards will complete their contracts.

The Quality Strategy has just been launched for consultation by VisitBritain, which has confirmed that from 2006, it will only promote accommodation that has been quality assessed either by itself or VisitScotland, the Wales Tourist Board, the RAC or the AA.

The group which recommended GSL included representatives from the DCMS, Regional Development Agencies, the Tourism Management Institute and VisitBritain.

VisitBritain will also work with both destinations throughout England and skills agency People First in order to successfully roll out the strategy’s new services.

It is intended that the new strategy will be more market-led and customer-orientated in its scope than before.

Chief executive of VisitBritain, Tom Wright, said: “This is a natural move to reinforce the industry’s quality work and to promote Britain’s excellence in customer services.” Details: www.visitbritain.com