VisitBritain has announced that from 2006 it will promote only hotels assessed either by itself, VisitScotland, the Wales Tourist Board, the RAC or the AA.
The decision comes as part of an initiative by the Government and VisitBritain to amalgamate quality standards in the UK. It applies to both international and domestic marketing.
Chief executive Tom Wright said: "This is a natural move to reinforce the industry's quality work and to promote Britain's excellence in customer service. It will support VisitScotland and the Wales Tourist Board, which have long-standing policies of promoting only assessed properties."
In March the five assessing bodies reached an in-principle agreement on common standards for ratings.