Joining Qualmark

Every Qualmark member receives a Sustainable Tourism Business (STB) evaluation, this is held in person when the business initially joins. All subsequent meetings are held annually online as a STB review designed to assist, support and help members maintain or progress their Sustainable Tourism Business Award level.

That’s okay! It just means you and your Qualmark Specialist have identified areas where improvements can be made, which will ultimately benefit your business and ensure a positive visitor experience. You’ll have the opportunity to work on these areas and make the necessary changes.

We understand some businesses require specific audits and certifications to operate legally (e.g. aircraft and boat operators). Where there is an external regulator that governs health and safety in relation to the type of business you operate (e.g. adventure activities), we’ll expect you to have been audited by that regulator and met their standards. Qualmark recognises the importance of these certifications, and these are taken into account when completing the evaluation.

Yes, new businesses can join Qualmark. However, you will need to be operating the business for a period of time (3 months) before you can be evaluated. This allows you time to demonstrate how your processes and procedures come to life in your everyday operation so that we can then assess how the business preforms against the standards we evaluate you on.