A comparative approach between Gites de France and B&B Association New Zealand - Should the Gites de France model be used by the New Zealand B&B accommodation sector?
Abstract: This study's aim is to investigate the New Zealand Bed and Breakfast (B&B) sector and to assess if whether or not there is a need to regulate and ensure that B&B operators/ owners contribute 'officially' to regional tourism growth.
A clustered and systematic survey was mailed to owners of B&B located in the North and South Island who are registered with The New Zealand B&B Association and a random and purposive survey was used to interview International and Domestic visitors to New Zealand as well as feedback from Tripadvisor. The results of the surveys indicated and highlighted that out of the total sample of 100 B&B operators, 33 only completed the questionnaire, providing a response rate of 33% which shows that this sector is clearly 'reluctant' to give out much information about their business. On the other- hand the visitors survey shows clearly that the satisfaction level is high (90 %) and that the majority of domestic visitors don't stay in B&B while the majority of International visitors do stay in B&B.
The research demonstrates that it is difficult to get much information from B&B operators regarding occupancy rates, visitors' purpose of stay and any other relevant data and information which would enable the researcher as well as the Tourism industry overall to get a better insight of this market.
This is a comparative study between New Zealand B&B accommodation sector and the largest guest-house network in Europe, called “Gîtes de France” which has been operating for over 60 years. Gîtes de France offers two (2) types of accommodation, the Gîtes (farmhouse or homestay) and the Chambre D'hotes (bedroom within a farm house or homestay). All businesses are registered and marketed to the domestic and international markets.
Key words: Bed and Breakfast- Gîtes - regulation- affiliation- Qualmark
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
