Page 13 - Quality Assurance with TGCSA

Quality in Tourism

The TGCSA Grading Process

01 Online Application Process 02 Assessor’s Responsibilities 03 Pre-screening by PQAS’s
(Provincial Quality Assurance Specialist)
1.1. Identify your Establishment 2.1. Contact Client & Confirm Assessment Date 3.1. PQAS’s Main Responsibility
1.2. Settle your Account 2.2. Schedule the Grading 3.2. Provides Rejection with Reason
2.3. Conduct the Practical Grading 3.3. Final Decision by Monthly Property
2.4. Discuss the Findings Approvals Exco
2.5. Agree on the Recommended Grading
2.6. Submit to PQAS’s

04 Scoring Criteria 05 Scoring Result

Standard Criteria Max no. of points
Building Exterior 69 880 - 1000
Bedrooms 225 Outstanding
Bathrooms 136
Public Areas 80 740 - 879
General Facilities 26 Excellent
536
Category Specific Criteria 580 - 739
Dining Facilities 155 Very Good
General Service & Service 160 440 - 579
Housekeeping Services 70 Good
Additional Facilities 28
Responsible Environment 51 300 - 439
464 Acceptable
Total 1000

06 Dispensation and Grace Period

Certain properties may not meet the minimum requirements and grading criteria. These properties can submit a motivation for one of the following:
Dispensation A Grace Period
A permanent acceptance by the TGCSA of a minimum requirement not met, e.g. A specific period to meet the requirement within their grading year, e.g.
• Historical building, therefore cannot change walls • Not all your bathrooms have separate bath & shower for 5-Star grading
• Showers only due to strong environmental policy & water saving measure • Screens for shower over bath for 4-star
• Flat-screen TVs

The Monthly Property Approvals Exco will consider each case on its merit.

07 Awarding of Stars 08 Scoring Result

7.1. Approval of the meeting and automated approval letters 8.1. No need to apply again
7.2. Receive TGCSA marketing collateral 8.2. Reminder to renew membership sent 120 days before expiry date
7.3. Receive certificate and plaque 8.3. Invoice settled before 30 days
7.4. Listing on the website 8.4. Make an appointment with assessor for grading
8.5. Approval of renewal application

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I get graded? What do I need to qualify for star grading?
You immediately add credibility to your establishment. You have the right to The TGCSA has grading criteria and minimum entry requirements for
display the Grading Council plaque outside your premises. You may use the various types of accommodation and conferencing establishments,
Grading Council logo (star) in all your marketing material. e.g. Guest houses, Hotels, Lodges, Exhibition centres etc.

You are marketed on this website. South African Tourism endorses How long is the star grading valid for?
star-graded properties. Grading assists you in positioning your product. It is valid for one year upon which an automatic renewal of your
Government departments and many others only use graded establishments. TGCSA membership will be generated. This automatic renewal
Grading is a constant quality control tool, with a feedback mechanism. will involve an invoice to be e-mailed to you. After payment of
this renewal invoice (per the TGCSA bank details) you will again be
Who assesses the establishment? assessed by a TGCSA-accredited assessor.
Only TGCSA-accredited assessors who are based all over South Africa
conduct grading assessments.

TOURISM UPDATE QUALITY ASSURANCE WITH TGCSA GET GRADED January 2025 12