Stamp of Approval for Jersey Heritage Visitor Sites

2012-08-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — Jersey Heritage visitor sites have once again passed an annual independent quality assessment with flying colours, to retain their accreditation as Quality Assured Visitor Attractions.

All six sites managed by the Heritage Trust were visited by a VisitEngland Assessor in July who praised ‘very high standards of customer care’, ‘fascinating’ exhibitions and ‘enthusiastic, helpful, knowledgeable staff and volunteers’. Hamptonne Country Life Museum was commended for its restoration work to the house and particular praise was also given to The Battle of Jersey Exhibition at the Jersey Museum.

The Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS) managed by VisitEngland is the benchmark for attractions across England and Wales. Janet Uttley, VisitEngland’s VAQAS Manager commented, ‘The Assessor was impressed that yet again the sites he assessed during his visit continue not only to maintain high standards, but that they were receptive and keen to embrace recommendations made. It is this desire to improve the quality of the visitor experience that continues to ensure that the experience of all visitors is the best it can be.’

Jon Carter, Director of the Jersey Heritage Trust, said “Achieving the VAQAS accreditation is extremely important to us. We are committed to developing our sites in order to continue to provide a visitor experience of the highest quality for both Islanders and visitors alike. The fact that we have been able to retain this nationally recognized quality standard for another year is testament to the hard work of our staff and volunteers as well as the continued support of the States of Jersey, our corporate and individual members and visitors to the sites.”

VAQAS assessments are carried out anonymously by industry professionals with years of experience in the UK leisure market. Standards are high and the assessment process looks at everything from responses to telephone and email enquires prior to arrival at the site, through to a review of the visit itself taking in all aspects of the experience from the initial welcome by staff, guided tours and signage, through to key areas such as toilets, catering and retail and the way the site is managed and maintained.

The six Jersey Heritage sites to have received the VAQAS accreditation are Elizabeth Castle, Jersey Museum & Art Gallery, Mont Orgueil Castle, La Hougue Bie Museum, the Maritime Museum & Occupation Tapestry Gallery and Hamptonne Country Life Museum.

www.jerseyheritage.org

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