The Quality Scheme for Scottish Attractions, Activities, and Experiences
More than 200 attractions signed up to ASVA’s Quality Scheme in its first year. The scheme provides consistent industry wide world-class standards through expert star grading, exclusive training, and comprehensive support. It is delivered not for profit, and is therefore significantly more affordable than any commercial product.
The scheme also provides additional value even with the reduced costs such as specific training and benchmarking. Its development is guided by Scottish attractions through a Steering Group and the ASVA board – meaning it will continually improve and always be tailored exactly to what Scottish attractions need. One membership fee includes all costs and part of it is returned to you through ticket, cafe and retail expenditure on site.
The scheme is already leading to enhanced experiences, targeted investment, staff motivation, a clear identity for visitors with a star grading, and aiding strategic planning for long term development.
It is 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.
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 Quality Scheme Membership provide?
Immediate benefits, including:
- A welcome call to discuss your needs
- Quality Scheme Member branding and logo to show you are part of the scheme
- Being scheduled for a visit
- Access to world class standards
- All year round advice
- Access to specific training related to the scheme
- Industry benchmarking
- After your visit:
- A discussion with your nominated person, either on site or following
- An expertly created report following your incognito visit
- A star grading, award plaque, and digital branding – at no extra cost
Useful Info
Assessment Guidance: Visit Guidance for industry is now available. Learn what will be assessed dependant on your attraction type here.
Terms and Conditions: Legislative criteria and commitments information for the ASVA Quality Scheme can be seen 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.
Add-on services available include: additional in person visit, a website audit, and an advisory visit to support new development.
Benchmarking reports: benchmarking information will be provided as soon as a robust data set is collected from visits. Compare your performance against the industry.
How much does it cost?
The Quality Scheme year matches the financial year, and these prices apply from April 2026 – March 2027.
| Paid Entry – Visitors per annum | Visit Each Year | Visit Every Second Year (membership paid annually) | |
| Paid entry attraction & Member of ASVA | up to 25,000 | £350 | £250 |
| Paid entry attraction & Member of ASVA | 25,001–100,000 | £375 | £290 |
| Paid entry attraction & Member of ASVA | 100,001–500,000 | £450 | £365 |
| Free entry attraction & Member of ASVA | up to 250,000 | £350 | £265 |
| Free entry attraction & Member of ASVA | 250,001 – 750,000 | £375 | £295 |
| Free entry attraction & Member of ASVA | 750,001 – 2,000,000 | £450 | £370 |
| Paid entry attraction & Not a Member of ASVA | up to 25,000 | £380 | £275 |
| Paid entry attraction & Not a Member of ASVA | 25,001–100,000 | £415 | £325 |
| Paid entry attraction & Not a Member of ASVA | 100,001–500,000 | £490 | £415 |
| Free entry attraction & Not a Member of ASVA | up to 250,000 | £380 | £275 |
| Free entry attraction & Not a Member of ASVA | 250,001 – 750,000 | £415 | £325 |
| Free entry attraction & Not a Member of ASVA | 750,001 – 2,000,000 | £490 | £415 |
*Please note
This includes all branding and signage, as well as the on site costs of visiting your site such as tickets, café, and retail spend – so a portion of this fee comes back to you!
This is an annual membership, regardless of visit frequency. All costs shown above do not include VAT, this will be added on invoicing.
From August, we may not be able to guarantee a visit within the current scheme year, all membership applications will be subject to confirmation. Those that cannot be fulfilled that year, will be added to the waiting list to join from the following April.
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 £490 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 Steering Group made up of industry to provide independence and make recommendations on all decisions to the ASVA Board who have overall authority.
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.