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It’s been an exciting start to the year for the team at the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA). 2019 represents a historic and momentous year for the Grading Council with the soon to be implemented revised grading standards for accommodation establishments taking effect on 01 April 2019.

The aim of the revised criteria was to advance and maintain a recognisable, credible and globally benchmarked system of quality assurance for accommodation and venues in South Africa.

The Grading Council team kicked off their countrywide provincial roadshows in Cape Town today. The aim of the roadshows is to outline the new grading criteria to all establishment owners and at the same time introduce the new accolades program to all stakeholders.

“Our aim is to ensure that all visitors that stay at our graded establishments have only the best memories and experience which will entice them to always choose to stay graded establishments when going on holiday or business travel,” said Darryl Erasmus, Chief Quality Assurance Officer at SA Tourism.

“Apart from the new grading criteria, we are also excited by the accolades program which allows for properties to capitalize on niche market differentiation. Accolades includes insignia and criteria for niche markets such as child-friendly, pet-friendly, wedding venues, spa and wellness facilities, 4x4 etc.”

In order to ensure that the new grading criteria is executed smoothly, close to 60 Independent Grading Assessors from around the country attended intensive training last month.  The training focussed on the new grading criteria, application of the grading criteria and grading system upgrades.

“Our Independent Grading Assessors are the most important cog in this wheel as we head into new territory later this year.”

“We want to ensure that our assessors are ready to assist our graded establishments in ensuring that they deliver to the highest standards,” added Erasmus.

The full list of provincial roadshows are:

19 Feb - Western Cape - Holiday Inn Cape Town
20 Feb - Eastern Cape - Blue Lagoon East London
21 Feb - KwaZulu Natal - Coastlands Hotel Umhlanga
26 Feb - Gauteng - Sandton Convention Centre
27 Feb - Mpumalanga - Pine Lake Inn
28 Feb - Limpopo - Garden Court Polokwane
14 March - Northern Cape - Protea Hotel Kimberly
15 March - Free State - Bon Hotel Bloemfontein
19 March - North West - Protea Hotel Mahikeng
 

Establishments wanting to attend these roadshows can visit https://bit.ly/2If4keh   to book your spot.

Issued by The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa