News

ASVA announces launch of sector-led Quality Scheme for Scotland

Added: 27 Mar 2025

Scotland’s visitor attractions will soon have a Quality Assurance scheme designed by the industry, for the industry, and run on a not-for-profit basis.

ASVA (Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions) is in the final stages of developing a new Quality Scheme for the attractions sector, due to launch on Monday the 14^th of April.

With strong backing from the across industry, the scheme has been shaped through extensive consultations with attractions of all types and sizes across the country. Designed to be relevant, affordable and sector-specific, it aims to support Scottish attractions in delivering world-class visitor experiences.

ASVA is today unveiling the brand identity for the scheme – marking a major milestone and reinforcing its commitment to raising industry standards. The appointment of a dedicated Quality Improvement Manager, Anne Sandilands, who has over 20 years’ experience in visitor experience further signals ASVA’s intention to deliver a scheme that is robust and responsive to sector needs.

ASVA CEO, Michael Golding said: “We’re delighted to be delivering a scheme which has been developed by the sector for the sector, shaped by evidenced criteria and focused on meaningful outcomes. The feedback from our members and the sector has been clear – Scotland needs a Quality Scheme that really works for its attractions. Scottish attractions are well known for their innovative, collaborative approach and now, by working together, we will deliver a scheme which helps our attractions sector in its aspiration to be world leading.

“Together, we can define what world-class looks like for Scotland’s attractions—and deliver it. Join us!”

Membership of the Quality Scheme will include an annual or biannual in-person assessment visit, star grading, and access to both physical and digital signage to promote the rating. Attractions will be assessed against evidence-based, world-class standards developed specifically for the Scottish sector, with the opportunity to benchmark performance across the industry. Members will also benefit from access to tailored training and development resources, alongside a growing suite of optional support services including advisory visits, consultancy, and digital audits.

ASVA members who join the scheme will also be able to use their ASVA Card to arrange targeted learning journeys based on scheme insights – encouraging best practice across the sector.

Attractions will be able to sign up from Monday 14^th April, with assessment visits scheduled to begin in June 2025. The scheme will operate on a not-for-profit basis, delivering best value at around £300 on average that will cover everything. The scheme will provide the best price and the highest value thanks to the input and support from the industry in shaping it for their needs.  

ASVA is calling on all of Scotland’s wonderful attractions, from museums and historic sites to wildlife experiences and retail-led venues, from activity centres to garden centres, to join this industry-developed scheme and help shape the future of Scottish tourism.

Attractions are encouraged to contact a member of the ASVA Team to become early adopters, ambassadors and to learn more. Further details, including criteria and guidance, will be shared with the sector in the coming weeks.

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Editor’s notes:
About ASVA

Our Vision is ‘World Class Scottish Attractions.’

Founded in 1988, The Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) is the representative body for the Visitor Attractions Sector in Scotland. With over 300 organisations in membership, representing in excess of 500 individual sites all across the country, ASVA connects the attractions sector together, providing advice, information, statistics, networking and training to help drive forward quality within the industry and support our members in their aspirations.

Enquiries

• For further enquiries please contact:
• ASVA CEO, Michael Golding at michael@asva.co.uk | M: 07458303836
• Quality Improvement Manager, Anne Sandilands at anne@asva.co.uk ASVA Chair, Paul Nixon at pnixon@realmarykingsclose.com