Certification is popular subject in tourism and sustainability. Some in the industry say it doesn’t address the critical mass while others say it is the only way to stop greenwashing. In late 2008, the global partnership for sustainable tourism criteria was formed. In 2009, a global body was formed the GSTC.
Certification can be described as the process of assuring industry and consumers that the assessed company has met a set of minimum standards.The purpose of certification has been to achieve voluntary standards which meet or exceed baseline standards or legislation
(Source: Dodds & Joppe, 2005)
NTP CERTIFICATIONS
The compilation of the National Tourism Product Classification System along with the National Tourism Operators Minimum Standards was developed in 3 years by the team of industry professionals.
WHY IS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TOURISM STANDARDS ACCREDITATION SYSTEM NECESSARY?
- It will promote a national minimum standard requirement of operations to be met by tourism operators
- It will give consumers the opportunity to make an informed and confident choice about legitimacy and quality of a product
HOW WILL IT BENEFIT THE TOURISM INDUSTRY AND OPERATORS?
- Pakistan becomes a more competitive destination
- Operators will be able to take part in tourism trade events with wholesalers
- Industry standards will underpin risk mitigation
- Assistance to implement measures that enhance the total visitor experience and ultimately consumer satisfaction
- Improvements in customer service and communications
- Benefits from association with national and international promotion of the NTP Accreditation logo as a symbol of quality within the tourism industry
HOW WILL IT BENEFIT VISITORS?
- Reliability of product and service
- Consistency of product and service
- Better security and safety through improved risk management procedures
- Instill confidence in product; as accreditation underpins the process of ensuring that a business will consistently meet the expectations of the domestic and international consumer
NATIONAL TOURISM PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The National Tourism Product Classification System (NTPCS) defines and organizes tourism products and services according to their key characteristic or set of characteristics.
WHY DO WE NEED THIS CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM?
- To facilitate an orderly development of tourism in Pakistan.
- To assist operators in meeting the relevant regulatory requirements (currently, there are no clear definitions to differentiate one product from another).
- To ensure potential visitors have a clear understanding of the different types of product available
here in Pakistan (when deciding on where to stay, what to do etc.) - To assist relevant authorities when reviewing both local and foreign investment applications.
- To assist Customs in the issuance of tourism Business Licenses.
NATIONAL TOURISM OPERATORS MINIMUM STANDARDS
The National Tourism Operators Minimum Standards (NTOMS) are sets of minimum requirements that all tourism operators in Pakistan MUST meet to provide quality tourism services to tourists.
WHY HAVE THESE MINIMUM STANDARDS BEEN ESTABLISHED?
- As a destination, we want to compete on quality and not just price
- Having minimum standards will help raise the minimal level of services provided by operators
- It will assist in aligning visitor expectations with available tourism products and services
- It will guide and direct investment in quality product
- It will ensure confidence in the industry and increase investment opportunities
