Criteria

 

Quality Criteria for Accommodation

Vakinn's quality criteria for hotels are based on criteria published by Hotelstars Union, hotelstars.eu. Quality criteria for other categories of accommodation are originallly based on Qualmark - New Zealand.

    • Below are the general and specific criteria for accommodation.
    • Applicants are encouraged to review the applicable criteria before submitting their applications.
    • To achieve certification as an accommodation provider or a star-rated hotel, businesses must meet both the general criteria and the specific quality standards relevant to their operations. 

The General quality criteria consists of four chapters:

  1. Information and facilities
  2. Management and human resources
  3. Safety and responsibility
  4. Environment

Review of the Quality and Environmental Criteria

Since Vakinn started in 2012, its quality and environmental criteria have been regularly reviewed in consultation with various experts and stakeholders within the tourism sector.

In connection with the government’s action plan and tourism policy through 2030, a working group has been appointed to review quality and environmental certification for the Icelandic tourism sector, including the development of Vakinn.

While this important work is in process, and until the results are available, the revision of the criteria (5th edition) has been placed on hold, and the validity of the 4th edition has been extended.

Open General Quality Criteria 

Specific quality criteria for each accommodation categories:


Businesses aiming for independent accreditation of their restaurant or catering facilities must meet the specific quality criteria outlined for restaurants and cafés. 

 All participants must agree to operate according to Vakinn's code of ethics.

 Quality criteria for all categories of accommodation address the following factors:

  • Immediate environment and approach
  • Hygiene
  • Customer service
  • Facilities and equipment
  • Catering
  • Recreation/leisure activities
  • Company management
  • History and culture

Names of sections within each set of criteria may vary between accommodation categories. All criteria are however based on the same fundamental principle; to further professionalism by means of increased quality, safety and environmental awareness, regarding services and facilities for customers as well as company staff.

Please note: If an accommodation provider offers other services, such as recreation to visitors, this service must be assessed according to the appropriate specific criteria.

Example: Hóll travel service operates a guesthouse and a horse rental, the company must be assessed according to the quality criteria for guesthouses as well as quality criteria for horse rentals.