The Star Ratings scheme owned and operated by the Australian motoring clubs including NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RACT and AANT, will be transferred at no cost to the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) from the start of the 2017/18 financial year.
Earlier this year, the motorist groups announced that Star Ratings Australia would cease to operate as of 30 June 2017. Michael Reed, CEO of Australian Motoring Services cited the rise of self-rated programs for the program’s demise.
“In a digital world, Star Ratings has found its independent review model increasingly unsustainable,” Mr Reed said.
At the peak of Star Ratings Australia’s success there were 15,000 industry subscribers, but now there are just under 4,000 licensees paid up for the for the 16/17 financial year.
An agreement has been reached for ATIC, the national representative body for the tourism industry, to “maintain and enhance the Star Ratings scheme for the benefit of both consumers and accommodation operators”.
ATIC Chair Evan Hall said that the tourism industry is committed to continue the Star Ratings scheme, describing it as a valuable asset for accommodation businesses and an important resource for consumers seeking quality accommodation.