VisitEngland, the national tourist board, has launched the latest version of The Pink Book – a comprehensive guide covering everything operators need to know about running an accommodation business – from obtaining entertainment and alcohol licences to food hygiene, and health and safety.
Designed to help both self-catering and serviced accommodation providers navigate the often-complex rules and regulations surrounding their business, it also features a dedicated section on guest relations, from booking procedures to access requirements.
Tourism Minister John Penrose MP unveiled The Pink Book yesterday to local accommodation operators and tourism staff in his constituency of Weston-super-Mare.
Sponsored by UK self-catering holiday specialist cottages4you, The Pink Book is the seventh edition of the guide to be published: it can be purchased, and is free to members of VisitEngland’s Quality Assurance scheme.
Minister for Tourism and Heritage, John Penrose MP, commented:
“Whether you run a B&B in the Lake District, a holiday cottage in Cornwall or are looking to set up a new business – The Pink Book is a one-stop shop for getting it right.”
And Katharine Tonkin, cottages4you General Manager for the South of England said:
“As the UK’s largest holiday letting agent, we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards possible. With more than 14,000 properties on our books, we fully appreciate the value of The Pink Book as a way of clarifying the legislation, guiding our owners and providing a wealth of information to make holidays in the UK great.
“It’s vital for the UK market to offer customers the best of British, so we hope this latest guide will help all those involved in providing fantastic holidays and short breaks.”
The Pink Book 2012 was written by Kurt Janson, of the Tourism alliance
The Pink Book 2012 is available free of charge to all members of VisitEngland’s Accommodation Quality Assessment scheme. To request your free copy, please contact feedback@visitengland
Non scheme members can purchase a copy for £9.99 plus p&p – please contact feedback@visitengland