1977 was when AAA first published the Diamond Rating system in the AAA TourBook® guides.

84 percent of AAA members consult a TourBook before making hotel reservations.

Less than one-half percent of all properties inspected receive the Five Diamond Award; less than five percent of all properties inspected receive the Four Diamond Award.

AAA has 65 full-time, trained, professional evaluators, called tourism editors, who inspect approximately 41,000 lodgings and restaurants per year. Every establishment is inspected at least once a year.

Tourism editors undergo at least six weeks of training before they begin inspecting properties.

Inspections are done anonymously. Once an inspection is complete, the tourism editor may meet with property management to discuss the results.

AAA periodically reviews inspection standards and updates them if necessary to meet evolving customer expectations and industry trends.