Australian Tourism Industry Council to take control from 1 July 2017.
The long-running Star Ratings scheme owned and operated by the Australian motoring clubs including NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RACT and AANT, will be transferred at no cost to the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) from the start of the 2017/18 financial year.
The program’s future has been clouded after the motoring groups announced the wind-up of Star Ratings Australia earlier this year (TD 28 February) with Australian Motoring Services ceo Michael Reed citing the online era and the rise of self-rated programs for the scheme’s demise.
However an agreement has now been reached for ATIC, the non-profit organisation representing the state tourism industry associations, to “maintain and enhance the Star Ratings scheme for the benefit of both consumers and accommodation operators”.
“The tourism industry is committed to continuing the Star Ratings scheme as a valuable asset for accommodation businesses and an important resource for consumers seeking quality accommodation,” said ATIC chair Evan Hall.
Federal minister for trade, tourism and investment, Steven Ciobo, commended ATIC for “continuing Star Ratings in the best interests of the tourism industry”.
More details in today’s issue of Travel Daily.