About
Accreditation

The Camp/Adventure Activity Provider Accreditation is a merger of the previous Australian Camps Association ‘Camping with Confidence’ program with the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program (ATAP) and is designed for any business that works within the camp and/or led outdoor activity sector.

The Victorian Department of Education and Training and the Catholic Education Office (Archdiocese of Melbourne) mandates that all Victorian Government or Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Melbourne must use accredited residential campsites – other states are following this direction. Accreditation is thus an important part of developing and promoting your business.

Camp/Led Outdoor Activity Provider Accreditation has been designed to ensure that the camp or outdoor experience is conducted in a manner where the safety of participants and staff is assured. This means the buildings are appropriate and that proper activity equipment is provided and used in a safe manner. It ensures there are clear procedures for supervising campers and administering bookings and proper planning has been done to manage emergencies should they arise.

The variety of camps and led outdoor activities means that different groups – large or small, children or adult, school, special interest, community – can enjoy diverse experiences. Accreditation recognises this diversity and ensures that regardless of the type of experience your safety has been considered as paramount.

For more information about accreditation please visit Quality Tourism Australia.

The accreditation program has evolved over the years, starting out as the 'Camping With Confidence Program', moving to the 'Australian Tourism Accreditation Program (ATAP) and then to the 'Quality Tourism Framework'. The logos below show the progression.

Click here to read more about the change to Quality Tourism Framework (2018).

Meeting the Standard

The Accreditation program is administered by the state tourism bodies. 

The Australian Tourism Accreditation certifies tourism businesses that meet specific quality assurance criteria ensuring they are committed to exceeding consumer expectations with great customer service and the highest standards of business practice. All quality tourism accredited businesses undertake regular onsite audits to ensure compliance. To be accredited businesses must complete the following:

• Licences & Permits
  Ensures the business has all the required licences and permits.

• Business Operating Systems
  Ensures business has detailed & proactive operating systems ie: maintenance, health and safety and cleaning schedules.

• Economic Sustainability and Financial Systems
  Ensures business complies with accounting standards Up-to-date record keeping and complies with consumer laws

• Insurance Details
  Ensures the business has all required coverage inc. at least $10million in public liability insurance.

• Human Resource Management
  Ensure management complies with legislation relating to employing staff along with comprehensive ongoing training and skill development.

• Environmental Management
  Business must demonstrate a documented and practical commitment to sustainable environmental practices.

• Customer Service
  Business must have documented customer service procedures, booking and cancellation policies and customer feedback processes.

• Risk Management
  Business must demonstrate documentation and Implementation of risk management plans, as well as emergency and evacuation procedures.

• Code of Practice
  Business must sign industry code of ethics.