Who is eligible?
The T-QUAL Accreditation application process is open to quality assurance schemes. This includes accreditation programs that accredit, rate or certify operators, or Large Tourism Organisations that apply a quality standard to their operations, business units or related business entities.
Operators and related business entities of quality assurance schemes cannot directly apply for T-QUAL Accreditation. Instead, they must join, or be a member of, a T-QUAL endorsed accreditation, rating or certification program or be covered by a Large Tourism Organisation's quality standard (i.e. code of conduct).
About the process
After a quality assurance scheme submits their application, their standards and processes are assessed by independent assessors on behalf of the Tourism Quality Council of Australia (TQCA) against the T-QUAL Accreditation criteria. Following approval by the TQCA, the applicant will be required to sign a Master Licence with the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.
Quality assurance schemes who become T-QUAL endorsed should engage with their operators and related business units to increase awareness of T-QUAL Accreditation. Quality assurance schemes will be sent invitation packs to send on to their operators or related business units. The invitation pack includes a fact sheet, FAQs and a sub-licence. Operators and related business units must sign the sub-licence to be allowed to use the T-QUAL Tick in their marketing activities.
Once completed sub-licences have been returned to the accreditation program or Large Tourism Organisation, Tourism Australia will arrange for Welcome Packs to be sent to the operators or related business units. The Welcome Packs include promotional materials such as stickers and posters.
How to apply
To apply for T-QUAL Accreditation, quality assurance schemes must:
- read the NTAF Guidelines for applicants (see Related documents)
- complete the Application Form (see Related documents).
- submit their application along with supporting documents to the Tourism Quality Council of Australia (TQCA) Secretariat.
About the guidelines
The NTAF Guidelines for Applicants enables applicants to assess their suitability for applying for T-QUAL Accreditation. The guidelines provide information on the process, the criteria and the supporting documentation required.
About the application form
Applicants must complete the application form and submit it along with supporting documents to the TQCA Secretariat. Applicants who require additional space for information can attach a word document with their submission. Please note that two copies of the completed application form and supporting documents must be provided. Alternatively, applicants may wish to send their application on a USB or CD.
About the Master Licence
A Master Licence (see Related documents) allows quality assurance schemes to use the T-QUAL Tick under licence. Master Licence holders may then issue a Sub-licence to their operators or related business units to use the T-QUAL Tick.
Related documents
More information
For more information about the T-QUAL Accreditation application process:
Email: ntaf@ret.gov.au
Phone: (02) 6243 7024.