There has been the recognition that tourism consumer markets throughout the world have become increasingly demanding in terms of product and service expectations.  As a result, the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry of a destination is largely dependent upon its ability to provide high quality products and services, which are benchmarked against world class standards.  Indeed, Barbados has already begun the process of incorporating such standards into its tourism product with the introduction of the ZAGAT and AAA rating schemes.

To date guidelines have been developed for Home Accommodation in Barbados.  These guidelines seek to regulate the establishment and operation of Home Accommodation in Barbados, as a means of ensuring that the service offered in these establishments is of the highest possible quality.

Additionally, transportation guidelines for the tourism sector have been drafted, where the purpose of these guidelines is to regulate the operation of tourism transportation services in Barbados as a means of ensuring that these transportation service providers offer quality service, with due consideration to safety and reliability.  Work will soon be started on guidelines for other sub-sectors in the tourism industry.