The aim of the scheme is to raise tourist accommodation standards

Among the measures being used are a checklist that owners of bed and breakfast accommodation, hotels and pubs can measure themselves against.

The scheme, called Fitness for Purpose, was trialled in Greenwich and Camden.

It is being unveiled at a meeting organised by the Local Government Association (LGA) on Tuesday.

Value for money

Rosa D'Alessandro, tourism development manager for Greenwich Council, said: "If an operator does use the checklist there will be confidence for the visitor that they will be in a safe environment.

"What it does is provide a legal framework and safeguard so that the visitor is protected and that they are not at risk effectively."

She said the aim of the scheme was to encourage businesses to grow and to give visitors value for money.

Councillor Chris White, Chair of the LGA's Regeneration Board, said: "Tourism has a key role to play in local economies up and down the country.

"It is of great importance that people booking into hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses are provided with a service that complies with certain basic standards."