Accommodation businesses in the Northwest should be inspected under the VisitEngland National Quality Assurance Scheme or the Automobile Association scheme.  There is other tourism accommodation available in the Northwest, however, the policy is to encourage businesses to participate in quality inspections as a way of being able to promote the best.

The standards have been created as a result of harmonising standards from the National Tourist Boards for England, Scotland and Wales, but also with the cooperation of the AA and formerly the RAC.   All VisitEngland and AA quality assured accommodation, all tourist attractions and events in England qualify for inclusion on VisitEngland's and the Tourist Board websites.