Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Industry Standards for Nudist and Naturist Venues

This FAQ provides answers to all your questions about the Industry Standards for Nudist and Naturist Venues, the accreditation process, and how it benefits venues, patrons, and the community.

General Questions

Q1: What are the Industry Standards for Nudist and Naturist Venues?
The Industry Standards are a globally recognised framework created by NaturismRE to classify and accredit venues as authentic spaces for nudism, naturism, clothes-free, and clothing-optional practices. These standards ensure venues align with principles of body positivity, inclusivity, privacy, and non-sexuality.

Q2: Why are these standards necessary?
The standards aim to:

  • Weed out venues misrepresenting themselves as nudist or naturist spaces while engaging in activities that contradict community values.

  • Address public misconceptions linking social nudity to sexual behaviour.

  • Provide clarity and trust for patrons seeking authentic venues.

  • Promote inclusivity, privacy, and environmental sustainability.

Q3: Who created these standards?
NaturismRE developed the standards after inviting collaboration from national nudist and naturist organisations. When no responses were received, NaturismRE independently crafted this framework to ensure the integrity of the community.

Q4: How do these standards benefit the naturist and nudist community?
The standards protect the community’s integrity, enhance public trust, and make it easier for patrons to choose venues that align with their values while helping venues establish credibility and professionalism.

Accreditation Process

Q5: What is the accreditation process?

  1. Application Submission: Venues provide details about their operations, policies, and facilities.

  2. Self-Assessed Temporary Accreditation (optional): Venues can declare provisional compliance during the review process.

  3. On-Site Assessment: Certified auditors ensure compliance with the standards.

  4. Certification: Venues meeting all criteria receive a two-year accreditation and an optional logo/stamp.

  5. Ongoing Monitoring: Regular reviews and community feedback maintain quality and compliance.

Q6: What does "Self-Assessed Temporary Accreditation" mean?
Temporary accreditation allows venues to declare provisional compliance while their application undergoes review. This status is clearly marked as “self-assessed” and is valid for up to six months.

Q7: Can a venue have multiple accreditation categories?
Yes, a venue can hold multiple accreditations. For example, a venue could combine "Nudist Venue" and "Clothes-Free Venue (NCFV)" categories if it meets the standards for both.

Q8: Is there a fee for accreditation?
Yes, but fees are only payable by venues wishing to display the accreditation logo/stamp. The fees cover processing costs and promote transparency for patrons.

Q9: Who conducts the on-site assessments?
Accreditation is typically managed by national nudist and naturist organisations in their respective countries. NaturismRE will step in to perform assessments only if the national organisation opts not to participate.

Categories and Combination Options

Q10: What types of venues can apply for accreditation?
Venues can apply under one or more of the following categories:

  1. Nudist Venue (NV)

  2. Naturist Venue (NaV)

  3. Clothes-Free Venue (CFV)

  4. Restricted Clothes-Free Venue (RCFV)

  5. Clothing-Optional Venue (COV)

  6. Restricted Clothing-Optional Venue (RCOV)

Q11: What is the difference between restricted and unrestricted categories?
Restricted categories (e.g., Restricted Clothes-Free Venue) impose specific entry policies, such as gender balancing or couples-only access. Unrestricted categories are open to all guests without such restrictions.

Q12: Can a venue change its accreditation category later?
Yes, venues can apply to change or add categories by submitting an updated application and undergoing a review.

Inclusivity and Non-Discrimination

Q13: How do the standards promote inclusivity?
Accredited venues must welcome individuals of all sizes, shapes, ages, ethnicities, and genders. Entry restrictions (e.g., couples-only, gender balancing) are allowed only in restricted categories and must be transparently communicated.

Q14: What happens if a venue discriminates against a guest?
Discrimination violates the standards. Patrons can report incidents to NaturismRE for investigation. Proven violations may result in suspension or revocation of accreditation.

Privacy and Security

Q15: How do the standards protect guest privacy?
Venues must implement:

  • Physical privacy measures (e.g., fencing, signage).

  • Policies prohibiting unauthorised photography.

  • Restricted access for non-participants.

Q16: What measures ensure the safety of guests?
Venues are required to:

  • Train staff on respectful behaviour and conflict resolution.

  • Enforce a strict Code of Conduct.

  • Provide secure, private facilities for all guests.

Fees and Finances

Q17: How are accreditation fees determined?
Fees are scaled based on guest capacity:

  • Overnight guests: Base fee.

  • Day visitors: Additional 10% surcharge.

Q18: Are discounts available for small or non-profit venues?
Yes, NaturismRE may offer reduced fees or grants for community-run venues to make accreditation accessible.

Q19: How are fees distributed?
National organisations receive 70% of the fees to support local enforcement and operations. NaturismRE retains 30% for global oversight and administration.

Criticisms and Concerns

Q20: Isn’t this over-regulating a lifestyle that values freedom?
The standards are voluntary and aim to enhance trust, professionalism, and public understanding. They protect the community from misrepresentation without imposing mandatory rules.

Q21: Aren’t restricted categories discriminatory?
Restricted categories cater to specific audience preferences (e.g., couples-only, gender balancing) and are optional. Venues must transparently communicate these policies to maintain trust.

Q22: Do these standards focus too much on preventing sexual behaviour?
Yes, preventing inappropriate behaviour is crucial to combat misconceptions linking social nudity to sexuality. This protects the integrity of naturism and nudism.

Advocacy and Regional Adaptations

Q23: How do these standards align with advocacy efforts?
In Australia, the Public Decency and Nudity Clarification Bill 2025 (https://chng.it/9PsNgjnZc5) distinguishes non-sexual nudity from indecency. These standards complement such legislation by creating a clear operational framework for venues.

Q24: Can regional organisations adapt the standards to local laws?
Yes, national organisations can make minor adaptations to align with cultural and legal contexts while maintaining the core principles of the standards.

Transparency and Reporting

Q25: How can patrons verify a venue’s accreditation?
Accredited venues are listed on the NaturismRE website with a unique identifier that can be cross-checked with the logo/stamp displayed by the venue.

Q26: How can patrons report a non-compliant venue?
Reports can be submitted via the NaturismRE website. All complaints are investigated by the accrediting organisation or NaturismRE if no local body is available.

Q27: Can patrons submit feedback about their experience at an accredited venue?
Yes, feedback is encouraged and can be submitted through the NaturismRE platform. Positive and negative feedback helps maintain quality and improve standards.

Q28: What if a venue disagrees with a decision?
Venues can appeal decisions or provide additional information for reconsideration. Appeals are reviewed by the accrediting organisation and NaturismRE to ensure fairness.

Conclusion

These Industry Standards aim to elevate the nudist and naturist industries, foster public trust, and provide patrons with safe, respectful, and authentic venues. For more information, visit www.NaturismRE.com