Benefits of the Tourism Grading Council of SA

16 May 2009

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) introduced the National Star Grading Scheme for tourist accommodation, emphasizing the overall standards of the property instead of the number of facilities that the accommodation offers.

OBJECTIVE:

The overall objective is to improve the quality of service delivery in the tourism industry. The aim is to create an independent, credible grading system understood by local and international tourists

SERVICE OFFERED BY THE TGCSA:

This will include evaluating of all visitor’s bedrooms, bathrooms and communal facilities, the range of services offered by your business and service levels.

CATEGORIES INVOLVED:

Bed and breakfast, guesthouse, hotel, lodge, self catering, backpacker and hostel, caravan and camping and country house

THE STAR ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE:

The establishment must meet the minimum requirements available in the website www.tourismgrading.co.za before it can be graded. Also the statutory requirements which are fire and safety minimum standards, compliance with the accessibility building standards, compliance with local authority regulations, the business must be registered, compliance with the skill development act, liquor license if selling alcohol and insurance liability.

BENEFITS OF THE NATIONAL STAR GRADING SCHEME:

• Only star graded establishments are listed and recommended in all SA Tourism sponsored publications, including the website www.southafrica.net and in SA Tourism both local and overseas (Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, USA, India, France, China, Benelux countries, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Central and Eastern European Countries excluding Scandinavia, Pan European Information and Brochure lines.
• Constant quality control, as customers can call the customer feedback centre on 0861 GRADED (0861 472 3330), or customers can fill in postage paid postcards available at graded establishments. This provides graded establishments with a vital quality management tool.
• TGCSA has its own Accommodation Guide where all graded establishments are listed automatically. It is also possible to advertise in this guide. The Accommodation Guide is the only accommodation guide distributed by SA Tourism through its call centre and offices worldwide
• All government departments are required to procure accommodation from graded establishments only
• Graded establishment are able to display the TGCSA plaque and internationally recognized star grading on their premises, this indicates they meet or exceed the Grading Council’s requirements.
• Graded establishments are able and should use the Grading Council’s logo and star symbols in their advertising and promotional material, stationary and websites.
• Graded establishments are entitled to a Grading Council Certificate for display inside the establishment.
• All graded establishments are listed on the Grading Council’s website by location, category and star rating with links to their own websites for reservation purposes
• The Grading Council actively makers star grading directly to consumers, tour operators and travel agents.
• Only graded establishments will be contracted by FIFA MATCH during 2010 Soccer World Cup
• Establishments that will sign accommodation contracts with FIFA will remain the their website for a period of one year after 2010 ( www.fifa.com)

CONSUMER BENEFITS:

• Grading allows for consumer choice and confidence
• Grading avoids consumer dissatisfaction
• Grading leads to an overall improvement in service levels
• Grading is a very important marketing tool which informs and draws customers
• Grading indicates establishment’s commitment to qualify service and standards

For Further Information with regards to grading and grading fees, please contact ……………………….

Mamokhothu Santho (CIA)
BOTSOI HOSPITALITY ENTERPRISE
Independent Assessor (PR No: GC/096/sm)
Grading (Accommodation Establishments, Conference Facilities And Special Events Venues)
Train (S.A. Host Customer Service)
Mobil: 072 358 2126
E-mail: santho@batsoihospitality.co.za