• In 1989, ten major sites in the Dordogne, a region of prehistorical and historical interest, created the first touristic synergy in France. They combined their complementary assets and their diversity into an association named Sites en Périgord.

Already then the purpose was to promote the services to visitors, the scientific or historic authenticity of the site and to continuously improve the comfort of the visits for all.
In 2003, all the Sites en Périgord members began working on Europe's first Quality referential for tourist and cultural sites: Qualivisite.
This is a service referential (law of 4 June 1994) which was published in the Journal Officiel.

• Qualivisite Referential (AFAQ 182-01)

The referential contains 21 commitments for results for the benefit of visitors (described in detail in the referential) :
• Telephone greeting is efficient, informative and courteous.
• Answers to e-mails are sent within two days from reception.
• In peak season and on weekdays, answers to e-mails are sent the day after they are received.
• Bookings for group visits are made without deposit or advance payment and require written confirmation.
• For requests made prior to the visit or services, specific information is sent.
• A website provides information including opening days and times in 5 languages to help prepare the visit.
• The site's parking area is signposted, clean, in good condition, with adequate lighting in case of night visits.
• Reception greeting is informative, friendly and efficient.
• The reception area is clean and suitable to all visitors.
• The site is clean and the facilities are in good condition.
• The site features clean sanitary facilities and offers a fully equipped and disinfected baby changing area.
• A special area is included, to teach visitors about selective waste sorting.
• Signs are posted to promote awareness to environmental protection.
• If available, the children's playground is well kept and in good condition.
• Information regarding the visit is clear, detailed and accurate.
• The site offers events and activities 50 days a year.
• Guided visits are conducted in a precise and efficient manner.
• Guides are skilled and friendly.
• Visit endings are made in due consideration of the visitor's own pace.
• The site can schedule custom visits outside of opening times.
• Through signposts that are clean, up to date and in good condition, the site offers at least one of the following services: Shop, Picnic Area, Bar, Restaurant.
It also provides internal organisational procedures for Quality level follow-up.

Sites are certified for three years by the French Quality Assurance Organisation (AFAQ) and are subject to a follow-up evaluation each year to ensure that the 21 commitments are fulfilled.
The AFAQ logo testifies to the certification of the site.
Today this referential is available to all tourist and cultural sites claiming to fulfill all 21 commitments.

• Qualivisite Partners

François VEDRENNE, Quality Engineer (contact : francois.vedrenne@organisation-qualite.com)
AFAQ, an independent Certification Organisation
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Dordogne (Institutional Client)
Regional Council of Aquitaine - Regional Delegation for Tourism in Aquitaine
General Council of the Dordogne

• Tourisme Handicap Label

Using exactly the same approach, Sites en Périgord were among the first sites in Dordogne to be awarded the Tourisme Handicap label.
The purpose of this label, inasmuch as the topographical possibilities permit, is to adapt the conditions of the visit to the various handicaps of life:
• Mobility impairment.
• Mental impairment.
• Visual impairment.
• Hearing impairment.
Visitors are thus offered the best welcome and optimal use of the services, with the highest autonomy and in a secure environment.
Following onsite evaluation by the local correspondents of Tourisme Handicap, the label is awarded for 5 years and guaranteed by a Charter.
Tourisme Handicap Partner:
Departmental Tourist Commission of the Dordogne