Guest Houses in Lewis and Harris Score Five-Star Awards from VisitScotland

EDINBURGH, Scotland, 2023-Mar-09 — /Travel PR News/ — A pair of guest houses on Lewis and Harris have scored five-star awards from VisitScotland.

Broad Bay House in Back, Lewis and Ceòl na Mara near Tarbert, Harris were awarded five-star rating gold and five-star awards respectively by the national tourism organisation on their first reviews since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our Quality Assurance visit determined that the businesses offer an outstanding quality of guest accommodation, and the demonstration of exceptional standards in hospitality and cleanliness.

Developed over the last four decades in partnership with the tourism industry and informed by visitor research, VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance schemes are world leading. They have been refreshed in line with the changing landscape, and in consultation with industry, to continue to provide a trusted, relevant and impartial source of information for visitors, as well as the businesses taking part.

As well as achieving their top ratings, both guest houses are members of VisitScotland’s Taste Our Best scheme which is designed to promote the use of Scottish produce within the tourism industry and recognise businesses that offer great quality Scottish food and drink experiences.

Victoria Harvey, VisitScotland Development Manager for Outer Hebrides, said: “It’s an incredible achievement to have not one but two guest houses in the Outer Hebrides receive a five-star gold and five-star Quality Assurance rating. This is a clear sign of the islands’ tourism offering going from strength to strength.

“This award is a testament to all the hard work and dedication of the owners in maintaining and improving on quality throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

“By committing to creating a recognised quality experience, businesses are contributing to the Outer Hebrides’ and Scotland’s reputation as a must-visit destination. The impact of tourism spreads far beyond the industry itself – it supports wider businesses, jobs and the economy.”

Sue Reid, from Broad Bay House, said: “We have been working hard over the past few years to improve the guest offering, add value and completely refurbish Broad Bay House, so we are extremely proud to receive this award. It has been our ambition since we took ownership here, to achieve five-star gold, and it is delightful to receive this industry recognition.

“To be recognized as one of just 25 or so five-star gold guest houses across the whole of Scotland is wonderful.

“Quality of accommodation is vital for a recovering hospitality industry. Guests, who may well be venturing out on holiday for the first time in a few years, are looking for a luxury experience and to stay somewhere that creates a home from home. Luxury, comfort, attention to detail all matter. Many guests because of this and the fact that they enjoyed their stay so much, return and turn into repeat guests. Its lovely to see new faces, but it is also heartening to see our repeat guests. This has allowed us to enjoy near 100 per cent occupancy levels this season.”

Jane Loomes from Ceòl na Mara Guesthouse, said: “We are humbled, proud and thrilled to have received five-star status, and note the prestige this will bring to the Isle of Harris. It feels incredible to have successfully made this journey and reflects the support we have received from the local community, the strong partnerships we have developed, and the hard work it takes, both with guests during the season and over the closure periods to ensure Ceol na Mara is set up to meet the demands and expectations of our guests.

“High quality, high standards and going above and beyond, are imperative in achieving this, be that through our service and hospitality, our location, the food we serve with Taste Our Best – is an essential part of this, or just thoroughly enjoying running a B&B.”

For more information on Quality Assurance scheme visit: www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/visitor-experience/quality-assurance-ratings

Notes to Editors

• VisitScotland is Scotland’s national tourism organisation. Its purpose is to deliver a strategic and coordinated approach to supporting the rebuilding of the visitor economy in a responsible way, to ensure tourism thrives.
• The organisation’s work will help deliver the Scottish Government’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation, and Scotland Outlook 2030, the national tourism strategy, which details the vision of Scotland being the world leader in 21st century tourism.
• This is delivered through three strategic pillars: Building a responsible destination brand; investing in Scotland’s tourism and events communities; facilitating collaboration and embracing change in support of a fairer, more responsible and inclusive visitor economy.
• Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, spending by tourists in Scotland generated around £11 billion of economic activity in the wider Scottish supply chain and contributed around £6 billion to Scottish GDP (in basic prices).
• VisitScotland is a leader in responsible tourism, making Scotland a better place for people to live and visit. We are proud signatories of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism and Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency.

Contact:

Email: Ashley.Baxter@carat.com
Tel: +44 131 561 7973

Source: VisitScotland

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