Quality Tourism Services

The aim of Vakinn is to increase quality, safety and environmental awareness within Icelandic tourism and at the same time to strengthen a sense of social responsibility among actors in the field.

The quality accreditation system consists of:

A star grading system for accommodation.
Quality certification for Tourism services other than accommodation.

From January 1st 2019, all companies participating in Vakinn quality system must take part in the environmental system and qualify for a bronze label at a minimum.

General quality criteria and activity specific criteria

The classification for tourism services other than accommodation is based on two types of criteria:

General quality criteria applicable to all tourism providers other than accommodation.
Specific quality criteria for each activity, a total of 30 sets of criteria including criteria for guided walks in populated areas, criteria for horse trekking, criteria for snowmobile tours and criteria for restaurants, to name a few.

To qualify for a Vakinn certification

tourism providers have to fulfil 70% of the requirements of the general quality criteria and 100% of the applicable specific quality criteria.

To be certified the companies must meet 70% of the general criteria. However there are minimum requirements that everyone must fulfil. Furthermore, all holders of a Vakinn certification must meet 100% of the specific criteria relevant to the categories within which they operate.

The certified companies are audited once a year.

Quality matters

Success in tourism is often based on vigorous marketing activities. Little is to be gained by such efforts, however, if the guests actual experiences fall short of expectations. The internet, with social media, interactive venues and travel websites such as TripAdvisor, Facebook and Twitter has revolutionized the marketing landscape, providing consumers with rapidly expanding opportunities to voice their perspectives. When people make travel-related decisions they look increasingly for comments made by earlier visitors. What were their experiences? Did the trip live up to their expectations? Quality issues are therefore the most important factors for the reputation of Icelandic tourism and Vakinn quality system is an important tool when it comes to increasing quality. Participating in a quality system can also create a competitive advantage for companies.

75% of foreign tourists claim that it is important to their choice of tourist service company that the company has a recognised quality certification.*

* A survey from the Icelandic Tourist Board among foreign tourist in Iceland during the winter of 2015-2016