Pinedale Backpacker Lodge gains tourism mark

Pinedale Backpacker Lodge gains tourism’s official mark of quality

Pinedale Backpacker Lodge in Methven has been recognised as one of the country’s leading accommodation businesses by Qualmark - New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance system.

To earn the prestigious quality mark, Pinedale Backpacker Lodge underwent a comprehensive on-site assessment which measured performance against over 400 quality criteria.

As a result of the assessment, Pinedale Backpacker Lodge was awarded a four star grade in the Backpacker Category.

Owners Penny and Tim Turnbull were thrilled. “It’s great for our guests to know that our backpacker lodge is recognised as being at such a high standard” says Penny.

Assessment criteria are developed with the tourism industry and based on research into what travellers expect in areas such as customer service, facilities, cleanliness, safety and other business operations.

Our official tourism quality mark is only earned through independent assessment, so travellers can be assured they meet the standards, says Qualmark Chairman, David Wilks.

“Qualmark puts the brand of New Zealand, the silver fern, behind quality businesses, so travellers can count on an experience that measures up to their expectations, “says Mr Wilks.

The Qualmark star grading system sits alongside the Qualmark endorsement system for tourism businesses such as adventure activities, transport, attractions and nature experiences. Over 2,300 accommodation and other tourism businesses throughout New Zealand have been through the assessment process and are licensed to use the quality mark.

Qualmark is jointly owned by Tourism New Zealand and the New Zealand Automobile Association. The programme is run as an industry service, on a not-for-profit basis and is the way the industry directs travellers to quality assured products and services.

ENDS

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