Canada Select
What is Canada Select?
“Canada Select” is an accommodation rating program that reflects the needs of the consumer. It provides the travelling public with a consistent and reliable rating standard that is nationally compatible and comparable. Participation in “Canada Select” is a good business decision for owner/operators and their guests.
The travelling public has many reasons for selecting a particular accommodation. For instance, the business person may select a large hotel with it’s wide range of amenities and services or the atmosphere of a fishing lodge to entertain a potential client. The same business person, when on vacation with their family, may choose to enjoy the experience of a resort which offers a variety of recreational facilities. Whatever and whoever the choice, the tourism industry must provide for every type and level of accommodations required to meet the different needs and expectations of the consumers. Success of any business rests with the objective and accurate information provided to the potential consumer.
Canada Select is an industry driven, consumer sensitive rating programs. It provides the traveling and vacationing public with a nationally consistent standard of quality within specific accommodation categories. An Accommodations Rating Program is defined as “the rating of like accommodations based on the basics of cleanliness, comfort and safety, as well as the extent and quality of facilities and amenities”.
Canada Select Select star ratings indicate to the traveling and vacationing public that the property is rated using nationally consistent rating criteria. The Canada Select Accommodation Rating Programs are described in the Doers and Dreamers Guide, as well as on www.canadaselect.com – and www.novascotia.com.
In Nova Scotia, the Canada Select Accommodation Rating Programs is administered by industry representatives from Quality Visitor Services, a non-profit society. Click here to search for Canada Select rated properties in Nova Scotia.
How was Canada Select Developed?
Canada Select was developed and continues to be updated through extensive research into consumer and travel trade expectations, ensuring our standards not only meet but also exceed their expectations.
What are the benefits to the traveling and vacationing public?
Canada Select national rating standards provide consistent, reliable information to the traveling and vacationing public on what to expect from a roofed accommodation – “no surprise is the best surprise”.
Do I have to participate in Canada Select?
No – Canada Select is a voluntary program for owners / operators in Nova Scotia, who feel a national star rating is a valuable marketing tool.
What are the benefits of Canada Select for the owner / operator?
Canada Select rated properties receive a certificate, decal, outdoor signage and exclusive use of Canada Select logos / stars to incorporate into marketing materials such as brochures, display advertising and websites. A premium listing on www.canadaselect.com (detailed listing, unlimited photographs, direct links to websites, email, booking engine, property icons, social media, etc…) is also included.
Star ratings are published, with the operators consent, in provincial tourism literature, providing participating properties international and domestic exposure as preferred properties. A new marketing strategy has been developed to further enhance consumer awareness of Canada Select properties.
- Fosters general industry improvement
- Evaluation and rating of properties ensures minimum standards and stimulates improvements. Each participant receives a comprehensive Establishment Maintenance Report outlining concerns relating to cleanliness and state of repair. Inspections are conducted by nationally certified Senior Rating Advisors.
- Provides an effective management tool
- By thoroughly evaluating cleanliness and state of repair, the Canada Select evaluations allow owners / operators to use the outcome of the evaluation as a management tool to train and educate staff.
- Assists in the development of policy
- An inventory of accommodations, coupled with research market mix, assists industry and government in the development of policies and strategies to stimulate tourism growth.
Prerequisite for Canada Select Rating
Cleanliness and state of repair are important aspects of the rating program. The rating advisors conduct thorough evaluations in these areas. An allowance for deficiencies in cleanliness and state of repair is built into the evaluation. Properties which exceed this allowance automatically become unrateable until the deficiencies have been addressed.
How can I participate in Canada Select?
Contact us and we would be happy to arrange for a rating evaluation. A rating advisor will visit your property, explain the criteria and conduct the evaluation.
How is a Property Rated?
The rating advisor completes an inventory of services and facilities (Criteria / Amenities) provided at the establishment and assesses the quality. The quality assessment takes into consideration wall / window coverings, flooring, furniture, bedding, mattresses and tub / shower surrounds, etc. Upon completion of this assessment, the rating advisor then determines the star rating for criteria, amenities and average quality of facilities.
How often is a property inspected?
Quality Visitor Services conducts property inspections on a bienial basis, provided the property has no infractions or complaints. Inspections are carried out unannounced, at any time during the season of operation.
How do I upgrade my rating?
Upon completion of the evaluation, the rating advisor prepares an establishment report outlining the star rating, which will be sent out to the owner / operator. If requested, the rating advisor reviews the evaluation, determines the services, amenities, or improvements in quality the owner / operator could make to reach the next star level, and provides the owner / operator with a written upgrade report. The rating report is available upon request and is not automatically prepared. Information contained in any inspection report is confidential and is available only to the owner / operator. Please contact Quality Visitor Services to discuss consultative services, including rating reports, upgrade reports, plan reviews or on-site preliminary visits. A fee may apply.
Who Conducts the Evaluation?
There are professional, extensively trained and nationally certified Rating Advisors employed to conduct the evaluations in accordance to the “Canada Select” national rating procedures, program and policies. The National Occupation Standard for Rating Advisors has been developed in conjunction with the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council and is used as the basis for training programs. The certification process – including written examinations, work assessments and audits, is available on a national basis.
Once a property has been categorized it is evaluated for physical quality of the property, content of facilities, services and amenities provided. All properties, regardless of their star level, must also meet stringent cleanliness and state of repair guidelines.
Accommodation Designators
As can be appreciated, comparing a hotel to a bed and breakfast would be like comparing apples and oranges. Each accommodation designator is comprised of properties having similar characteristics; however, actual facilities, amenities and services may vary.
- Bed and Breakfast
- Bed and Breakfast Inn
- Cabin
- Condo / Apartment
- Cottage
- Farmhouse
- Fishing / Hunting
- Glamping
- Hostel
- Hotel
- Inn
- Motel
- Resort
- Suites
- University
- Vacation Home
- Other
A star rating from (1 to 5, in ½ star increments), is awarded based on the results of the evaluation. Each star level reflects specific consumer expectations.
★ (One Star) rating reflects that a property has met the Canada Select Minimum Entry Requirements which are consumer driven, and include criteria, cleanliness, state of repair, service and efficiency standards.
The following are the star rating descriptions:
★ (One Star)
At this level, guests should expect clean and well-maintained accommodations providing the necessary facilities for an enjoyable stay. Criteria includes standards such as room size, window screens and coverings, clothes storage, linens, door lock, smoke detector, and parking facilities, service and efficiency.
★★ (Two Stars)
This level equates to what is popularly considered “mid-range” accommodation. It exceeds the 1 star level in quality, guests should expect clean and well maintained accommodations providing the necessary amenities and facilities for an enjoyable stay.
★★★ (Three Stars)
These properties will offer larger units with generally additional room furniture, coordinated furnishings, better quality mattresses and linens, clock/alarm, extra amenities in washrooms, etc. Three star properties offer above average facilities and services.
★★★★ (Four Stars)
This rating indicates exceptional quality in all areas of facilities and services offering superior quality throughout the property in areas of guestrooms, bath and common areas. The property typically provides many additional amenities.
★★★★★ (Five Stars)
A 5 star property is luxurious at a world standard, offering outstanding facilities, guest service and amenities.
How much does participation in the program cost?
Please contact us to find out more about the Canada Select Accommodation Rating Program, or fill out the application here.