VisitBritain has launched a new initiative to encourage England’s 6,000 visitor attractions to sign up to a new national code of practice.

The code intends to formalise attractions’ commitments to providing accurate descriptions of operating hours, amenities, facilities and services, entry prices and additional charges; indicating any requirements for pre-booking and significant entry restrictions; describing accessibility aspects; sustaining high standards of maintenance, customer care, courtesy and cleanliness; having regard for the environment and providing a forum for visitors’ comments and complaints.

The scheme is supported by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, the Historic Houses Association and Heritage Railways, as well as the National Trust and English Heritage.

Jeremy Brinkworth, VisitBritain’s general manager for quality, said: “Britain’s tourism industry must do all it can to keep its visitors returning year after year. We are facing increasing competition as rival destinations outstrip our tourism performance.

“For example, although inbound tourism in the UK has seen average annual growth of around 7 per cent, both India and Turkey are growing at double-digit rates.

“Raising the quality of attractions and accommodation is one step in addressing the challenges we face and ensuring not only that British visitors enjoy the highest quality experiences, but that we are ready to welcome the world in 2012.”

Registration to the code costs a minimal £25 and lasts until 2010. Details: www.visitbritain.com/corporate