In a new partnership with TripAdvisor, VisitEngland’s official star ratings will now be displayed on the TripAdvisor property pages of participating accommodation providers in England.

VisitEngland now joins organisations such as the AA as providers of official star ratings for TripAdvisor.

This partnership forms part of a raft of projects by VisitEngland aimed at supporting tourism businesses to engage with digital platforms.

James Berresford, chief executive, VisitEngland said: “Our star ratings appearing on TripAdvisor is a fantastic benefit to VisitEngland’s scheme, demonstrating the importance of star ratings in helping potential customers to choose their accommodation with confidence.

“It is also an opportunity for our official star rated accommodation providers to raise their profile even further by having their stars displayed on one of the world’s leading travel websites.

“This is one of a number of new developments we are putting in place to support business to secure a strong online presence.”

Official star ratings are awarded to accommodation providers in England who have signed up to VisitEngland’s National Quality Assessment Scheme, and allow potential customers to choose their accommodation with confidence.

The star ratings are determined by the services and facilities provided for guests, the quality of the welcome, the service and hospitality of the staff, the food, and the cleanliness.

Catherine Tremaine, vice president of content, TripAdvisor said: “We are pleased to be working with VisitEngland to display the national tourist board’s official star ratings for graded accommodations on TripAdvisor.

“We know that user-generated ratings and reviews have a significant impact on travellers’ planning activity and booking decisions – and coupled with the official star ratings, travellers are able to make a well-informed booking decision, suitable for their needs.”

VisitEngland star ratings will be automatically updated on TripAdvisor on a weekly basis to update any changes and ensure stars are displayed alongside new entries.