ASVA’s new Quality Scheme is now live to join! Find out more info here.
Quality Scheme
The Quality Scheme for Scottish Attractions, Activities, and Experiences
Created by Scottish attractions, for Scottish attractions, the Quality Scheme upholds world-class standards through expert star grading, exclusive training, and comprehensive support — all delivered on a not-for-profit, best-value basis. ASVA’s vision is World-Class Scottish Attractions, and we are proud to present this new scheme.
Open to all attractions, as well as activity and experience providers, the scheme is inclusive and accessible — you do not need to be an ASVA member to participate. However, those who are members of both ASVA and the scheme will enjoy additional benefits.
Alex Harvie, Head of Marketing Communications and Destination Marketing at Glasgow Life and Vice Chair of the ASVA Board, commented:
“One of Glasgow Life’s main purposes is to support Glasgow’s visitor economy and enhance its reputation as a great place to live, work, learn and visit. Naturally, we are proud to be part of ASVA’s new Quality Scheme, which will raise standards across the tourism sector in Scotland and enable it to grow and become a world-class industry. The scheme will also support ASVA’s vision of delivering world-class experiences through sector-specific advice, tailored training and a star grading system. Most importantly, the Quality Scheme will ensure attractions throughout the country remain at the heart of Scotland’s visitor economy.”
Ross McMillan, Head of Destinations at Scottish Canals, also expressed his support:
“We are delighted to see ASVA’s Quality Scheme go live this week. The meticulous approach and commitment to develop this Scheme in collaboration with the industry has delivered on grading, training and support which will all be of tremendous value to our teams going forward. We look forward to our grading visits, support and insights that will come from being part of this.”
Join the scheme from as little as £250 – with no joining fee
Single site attractions / operators can sign up here to take part in our scheme. If you have multiple sites that you would like to register, please contact quality@asva.co.uk.
What does the scheme provide for membership?
Join the ASVA Quality Scheme and unlock immediate benefits, including:
- Quality Scheme Member branding and logo
- Being scheduled for a visit
- Access to world class standards
- An optional welcome call, and all year round advice
- Access to training
- Being part of Scottish attractions leading a World Class scheme
- After your visit, a report, star grading, award plaque – at no extra cost – and digital branding and logos will be provided.
Useful Info
Benchmarking reports will be shared from Christmas 2025 to compare your performance against the industry.
Other services available include: additional in person visit, a website audit, and an advisory visit to support new development
More information on the Quality Scheme Core Criteria and Guidance can be found here.
*Scheme members agree to on site costs such as activity fee, catering and retail being reclaimed. You also acknowledge that the anonymised data collected will be shared for national benchmarking.
How much does it cost?
ASVA Members:
| Membership Category | Paid Entry – Visitors per annum | Free Entry – Visitors per annum | Cost (£) – Visit Each Year | Cost (£) – Visit Every Second Year |
| Small | up to 25,000 | up to 250,000 | 325 | 250 |
| Medium | 25,001–100,000 | 250,001–750,000 | 350 | 275 |
| Large | 100,001–500,000 | 750,001–2,00,000 | 420 | 345 |
Non ASVA Members:
| Membership Category | Paid Entry – Number of visitors per annum | Free Entry – Number of visitors per annum | Cost (£) – Visit Each Year | Cost (£) – Visit Every Second Year |
| Small | up to 25,000 | up to 250,000 | 355 | 275 |
| Medium | 25,001–100,000 | 250,001–750,000 | 385 | 300 |
| Large | 100,001–500,000 | 750,001–2,00,000 | 460 | 380 |
*Please note that all costs noted above will be billed annually. All costs shown above do not include VAT, this will be added on invoicing.
Terms and Conditions for the ASVA Quality Scheme can be seen here.
FAQs
Why join ASVA’s Quality Scheme?
The scheme is owned and overseen by Scottish attractions, activities and experience providers. It has been developed specifically for their needs, and is delivered at the very best price on a not for profit basis. There is also specific training and tailored services to support the scheme, and support your attraction to be World Class.
Do I have to be a member of ASVA to sign up for the Quality Scheme?
All providers of attractions, activities and experiences to visitors are welcome to join the scheme, from tourist shops to garden centres, tour operators to activities centres.
How will it help me?
You will be assessed against world class standards, receive specific advice, access training to improve, receive a star grading for marketing and benchmark against all others. We will support you to develop towards becoming World Class.
How do I sign up for the Quality Scheme?
Simply click link on this page and complete the form.
Will I get a star grading to display proudly and use in marketing?
Yes – the only Quality Scheme to offer Star ratings.
What is the cost for the Quality Scheme?
One price covers everything including your sign with the star grading, and membership starts from as little as £250 and goes up to a maximum of £460 depending on how often you want a visit, and the footfall of your attraction. There are no joining fees.
How can it be not for profit?
Simple, ASVA is fully funded by its members, and likewise the scheme will be funded by the members. ASVA’s only interest is in seeing the sector succeed, our vision is for World Class Scottish Attractions, so we want to make it as affordable as possible, to welcome as many members, and support as many as possible on their journey to becoming World Class.
How is it governed
There is a Decision Committee made up of industry to provide independence on key decision and appeals. There is a standards advisory committee made up of industry associations whose members form part of the scheme, they advise on standards and complementing the wider offering to the sector. Lastly, the ASVA Board retains overall authority for all aspects of the scheme, as with the wider organisation.
Are there any other costs involved?
You will be expected to sign T’s&C’s whereby the Advisor is reimbursed the costs associated with the visit at the end of their visit – Entry to attraction/activity, F&B purchase/s and retail purchase.
How often will my assessment be carried out?
You decide, membership of the scheme can either be for an annual visit, or a visit every other year. You can also purchase additional visits as desired.
If I choose a membership for a visit every other year, what else do I receive?
Membership includes digital branding, a license to use the scheme, access to evolving standards, access to advice from Advisors, access to book specific training, as well as ensuring you continue to be assessed.
Can I sign up to more frequent visits?
Yes, there is the ability to purchase additional visits as you require.
Will I be notified when the assessor is coming?
Assessments are completed on a mystery basis. By doing this, the Advisor experiences the real visitor experience and can provide you with the very best feedback. At the end of in-person visit, an Advisor will let you know they have been and offer verbal feedback and discussion time.
How long does my accreditation last?
Accreditation/Stars are valid while you remain a member of the Quality Scheme. Should you choose not to renew your membership of the Quality Scheme you will be required to remove any ASVA branded Star/Accreditation.
What happens if the business is sold or there is a change in management company?
New owners would need to re-apply to be part of the quality scheme – Stars are not transferrable.
What about Brown Tourist Signage accreditation?
These safety signs are not part of the scheme. To apply for brown signs for your site, please find our more information here Brown tourist signs
Do I get a plaque for the attraction building/site?
A Perspex plaque will be issued free of charge after your initial quality visit. Should you wish more than one or need to replace the plaque at any time then you may order additional plaques via our website.
Where do I get my scheme membership and award branding?
After completing your membership payment, you will receive a membership pack that includes a Quality Scheme Member digital sign. There is also the option to pay for a physical sign if you wish. After the Advisor visits and grades you, then you will receive a star grading sign to be displayed, if you have been a member of a similar scheme in the past, existing fixings should be able to be used.
Can I use the digital ‘award’ anywhere?
Yes, as long as the basic guidance provided with the branding is followed such as ensuring it remains the same proportions, colours and alike.
What avenues are open to me if I have a query about the assessment outcome?
You can contact your Advisor. In the instance you still disagree with the assessment, there is an independent review panel
What other Quality options do you offer other than the main quality assessment visit?
Other purchasable options are:
- Advisory visits – particularly useful if you are setting up an attraction or undergoing a refit/adding elements to the attraction. Quality time with an Advisor to talk through and advise on all aspects.
- Digital audits of your online presence.
How do ASVA Members benefit?
ASVA members who join the scheme benefit from a lower cost to join the scheme, the ability to make targeted trips using ASVA cards to learn from the industry and further discounted rates for training.