Page 3 - Quality Assurance with TGCSA

Quality in Tourism

Excellence drives growth – grading

clinches it

WHILE the provision of their marketing material and
excellent service contributes are marketed on the TGCSA
directly to the growth and website.
development in the tourism • South African Tourism
sector, an internationally endorses star-graded
recognised grading system establishments
provides the quality assurance • Grading assists
that travellers demand. establishments in positioning
“It takes a single glance for their product.
local and international visitors • Government departments
to recognise an establishment’s and many others only use
quality and service excellence,” graded establishments.
says Chief Quality Assurance • Grading is a constant quality
Officer at the Tourism Grading control tool, with a feedback
Council of South Africa (TGCSA), mechanism.
Bronwen Auret.
“This is why it is so important Highly trained and
for all of us in the travel and accredited
tourism industry to not only The assessors are trained
become graded but to use and certified by the Culture,
and promote TGCSA star- Arts, Tourism, Hospitality,
graded establishments. By and Sport Sector Education
doing this, we help our country and Training Authority
achieve the highest level of (CATHSSETA) and have
quality assurance, promote in-depth knowledge and
optimal value for money and experience of the grading on key consumer insights, and recognise the importance of
give ‘customer expectation’ process, which they share with highlights that tourism grading grading.
the paramount position it the establishment they are is a credible indicator of quality Rosemary Anderson,
deserves.” grading, providing valuable assurance. Chairperson of hospitality
Auret highlights: “Be it a insights and solutions to Further key findings from a association, FEDHASA, agrees.
hotel, bed & breakfast, self- improve quality assurance. recent TGCSA benchmarking study “Grading helps build guest
catering, caravan and camping Auret explains that quality in show that key source market confidence and creates a strong
or conference venue, the tourism is a holistic experience. countries are still grading and reputation for an establishment.”
advantages of being graded by “Every single touchpoint – from
the TGCSA are endless.” the moment they arrive –
determines their experience. Less paperwork. Easy application
Key benefits at a glance The level of grading, from
• Establishments immediately one star to five, helps guide a The TGCSA application process has minimised the heavy
add credibility and have guest’s expectations regarding paperwork, making it so much easier.
the right to display the the level of comfort they can Star grading is an annual membership that entails a ONCE-
prestigious TGCSA plaque expect.” OFF application and an automatic renewal of an establishment’s
outside their premises. The TGCSA and South African grading status subject to the
• Establishments may use Tourism’s latest Net Promoter payment of the membership fees.
the TGCSA logo (star) in all Score (NPS) report focused
APPLY TO

Qualify for up to 90% grading discount GET GRADED

THE Department of Tourism may receive an 80% discount on (for CCs and Private Companies)/ Note: TOMSA members’
and Tourism Grading Council TGCSA grading fees. partnership agreement (for businesses will qualify for a
of South Africa (TGCSA) have To qualify for an up to 80% Partnerships)/trust deeds (for further 10% discount.
announced that the Tourism discount, establishments are Trusts) identity document (for
Grading Support Programme required to submit the following Sole Proprietors) Important info
will run until March 2025. documents: • A certified copy of B-BBBEE • For new applications, go to
The programme is a part of • A copy of a current and valid certificate or sworn affidavit www.tourismgrading.co.za
the Department of Tourism’s SARS Tax Clearance Certificate in the case of Exempt Micro and commence membership
Tourism Incentive Programme, • A copy of an identity document Enterprise (EME) to Qualifying registration
which aims to encourage the (ID) Small Enterprise (QSE) with more • Members who are due for
growth and transformation of • A copy of relevant business than 51% black shareholding); and renewal will qualify for
graded establishments. Through registration documents i.e. • A copy of public liability the programme if their
this programme, establishments company registration document insurance assessment is imminent

TOURISM UPDATE QUALITY ASSURANCE WITH TGCSA GET GRADED January 2025 2