A STANSTED Airport-based letting agent has joined forces with East Herts District Council to ensure guest accommodation in the Observer area is in shape for next year’s London Olympics.
Representatives of more than 200 businesses joined the local authority and Airport Lettings to launch the property quality assessment scheme at Lussmanns restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford on Thursday, October 6.
Authorised by Visit Britain, the national tourist board, it involves checks by assessors to ensure that all participating accommodation meets a minimum standard.
Airport Lettings managing director Terry Farthing said: “This is a new and exciting partnership which will place quality at the heart of services provided for individuals and families living in our community.
“Accommodation that has been assessed will have achieved the required standard in all sections, with cleanliness and hospitality as the highest priority.”
Looking towards the 2012 Games and an influx of visitors through Stansted Airport, Cllr Mike Carver, EHDC’s executive member for planning policy and economic development, said: “From now on, people will know that if they stay in a property that has passed the criteria it will be clean, hygienic, well-maintained and safe, and this important public-private partnership will make that a reality.
“We want people to come and stay here, especially during the Olympics, and this new scheme will give them the confidence in what we have to offer.”
The assessment of properties will be undertaken by Anne Martinelli, who has worked for Airport Lettings for 10 years. She was trained by Visit Britain this summer.
She said: “We want people to feel at home wherever they’re staying. My job is to make sure that all properties wanting to be part of the scheme pass these important tests. If they do, they receive accreditation and will be somewhere that visitors can live in comfort, with peace of mind.”
Mr Farthing concluded: “The Olympics is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Thousands of individuals and families from across the world will visit our shores, not only for the two weeks of the Games, but for months and years afterwards. We have a great deal to offer them here . . . and we should shout about it more and more.”
The reception ended with a raffle to raise money for local athletes.
