The think tank: think again: On Monday, Elizabeth McMeekin argued that a democratic rating system should be applied in Scotland�s service industries. Here are some of your responses.
On Monday, Elizabeth McMeekin argued that a democratic rating system should be applied in Scotland's service industries. Here are some of your responses:
What a great idea - actually letting the people who matter have a say in grading accommodation providers. For too long, faceless pen pushers in Inverness and Edinburgh have dictated who gets graded at what level, based on such foolishness as trays of sweeties in rooms and whether or not every room has a box of tissues. No consideration is given to whether or not the proprietor shows a genuine enthusiasm when welcoming guests, or whether clients are treated as sheep who can be guiled into parting with more money in a higher-rated establishment, providing that every room has its star-boosting assortment of trinkets and fripperies.
"About to be graded", via e-mail
One of the worst attitudes we encountered with a touring theatre company was a hotel owner telling three of us to switch off the television and go to bed. We refused. The owner phoned the police.
Garry Stewart, Glasgow
The VisitScotland star system is not broken, and gives a really good guarantee of the quality of the accommodation visitors will be sleeping in, or attractions visitors attend. But the Think Tank idea has uncovered an area that we badly need to sort out: the poor attitude of some accommodation providers. It is among the top complaints that VisitScotland receives. The industry has tried to address this through initiatives like the Pride and Passion movement, but although this has had some good results, it is often preaching to the converted.
We already have websites where people who have stayed at accommodation give their views. These can be useful, but remember: unhappy people will complain, and happy people won't say much unless their experience has been exceptionally good.
Some businesses do not engage with anyone, yet are allowed to open their doors with minimal training or qualifications. Some will be exceptionally good - others awful. The latter let down the whole industry. Tourism is composed of thousands of microbusinesses with a few big players. There is an annual churn of change of ownership, and this can add to problems. There is no excuse for poor attitude, though.
David Smythe, chairman, Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers
Great idea - spot on. I suggest registration requires prepaid postcards in each room inviting responses.
If insufficient responses are received or the bad/good report ratio is unsatisfactory, downgrading - or even deregistration - would follow. Names and addresses of those who respond must be verified to avoid misrepresentation, and ample follow-up checks made. Thumbs up or down symbols would be awarded accordingly. This would be a cheap-to-run service which meets a need.
RF Morrison, via e-mail
