Explore the star-power of TGCSA-rated establishments
With the festive season fast approaching and the promise of summer beckoning, local and international travellers alike are gearing up for well-deserved vacations under the South African sun. Amid the excitement of choosing a destination and the whirlwind of getting plans in order, one crucial element can make or break any trip: the accommodation.
When it comes to selecting the perfect place to stay, opting for a property graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) can make all the difference. “We quality assure South Africa’s tourism accommodation providers and meeting venues, delivering on our brand promise as an exceptional tourism destination,” explains Bronwen Auret, Chief Quality Assurance Officer at South African Tourism.
The TGCSA is the country’s only officially recognised quality assurance body for tourism products. For over two decades, TGCSA has been responsible for those familiar star ratings that adorn the walls of hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, self-catering facilities — even camping sites and conference venues — throughout the country, providing a credible and recognisable standard that tourists can rely on.
But grading isn’t just about luxury or stars — from one to five — on a plaque: “It’s a straightforward system designed to help travellers know what to expect from their accommodation; a promise of quality, reliability, and an experience that meets global criteria, underpinned by a legislative standard. If we’ve given a property a star, you know it will meet the Tourism Grading standards norms and standards, and be clean, safe and hygienic. And as the stars increase, so will your level of comfort.”
Grading matters
A visible grading system helps travellers make informed choices and assures travellers that their chosen accommodation meets specific expectations of comfort, service, and overall experience. She says all graded properties must meet the published grading criteria for its relevant category to ensure consumers’ expectations are met. Within the grading criteria per category facilities, comfort levels, hygiene, safety and security standards are prioritised.
This peace of mind, she adds, is particularly valuable during the busy summer and festive seasons when the demand for quality accommodations peaks: “There are few things worse than spending your hard-earned money and precious leave days on a substandard holiday stay that does not live up to your expectations. In peak seasons it becomes almost impossible to find an alternative stay on short notice. Our rigorous assessment ensures that graded properties consistently deliver on their promises.”
And if something does go wrong, she adds, having selected to stay at TGCSA graded property means that recourse, and a channel for feedback and potential resolution, exists.
Enhanced guest experience
Stars are earned when establishments are physically evaluated by a qualified and accredited grading assessor annually. These assessments are carried out against legislated grading criteria for categories such as formal accommodation, guest accommodation, boutique hotel, self-catering, caravan and camping; backpakers and hostels; game and nature lodges and meeting and conference venues. These categories have individual standards for facilities, service quality, safety and cleanliness. “This means you can trust that certain standards will be met; whether you’re staying in a one-star or five-star establishment, you can expect consistency in the level of service and amenities provided,” she explains.
In meeting — and often exceeding — these baseline standards, graded establishments offer an enhanced guest experience and a more enjoyable, stress-free stay for travellers confident that their chosen accommodation will deliver on its promises.
Staying at a graded establishment offers fit-for-purpose value for money. Every star has a value from one to five stars. When a consumer makes a decision to stay in any of these properties they understand that their accommodation is fit for their personal purpose and can meet their expectations.
“You get what you pay for, and often more,” Auret says. “A one-star property should carry that accolade as proudly as a five-star establishment because it meets the requirements and delivers on the promises it makes.”
Not everyone wants, needs or can afford a five-star stay, she adds: “The star rating helps you choose the accommodation that fits your purpose and budget. There is an absolute role for every level of grading, and we need to appreciate each of these establishments for the gaps they fill and the markets they cater to.”
Continuous improvement
She says the TGCSA also encourages and supports continuous improvement among establishments, especially amid a growing focus on sustainability and universal access. The organisation has an important role in ensuring South Africa remains at the forefront of global trends while catering to diverse traveller needs.
The grading system isn’t static — it evolves with changing traveller needs and industry trends. Regular assessments and feedback ensure businesses remain motivated to enhance their offerings and evolve to stay ahead of the curve. “We are currently in our tri-annual review process and will be working with the South African tourism sector to update the grading criteria,” Auret explains.
And when it comes to tourism, South Africa proudly leads the pack as a trailblazer and trendsetter. According to Auret, exciting new developments are on the horizon, including potential new categories for products and experiences such as: sustainable and universal access (UA) advances, as well as the inclusion of pop-up tented leisure and conference facilities in bush settings and boutique backpacker experiences.
Looking beyond the stars
Auret says that while choosing graded establishments ensures comfort, doing so also allows travellers to support and experience the best of what local tourism has to offer. “South Africa is very special. It’s about our people, our places and our ways,” she says. “It’s about who we are and how we do things. From our bustling cities to our exceptional nature reserves and unrivalled beach destinations, South Africa offers such a diverse range of experiences, often at excellent value for money compared to international destinations.”
As planning for the upcoming December holidays begins, she urges travellers to remember that those little stars can make a big difference: “Whether you’re looking for a luxurious getaway or a simple, clean place to rest your head. Not only does it guarantee a higher standard of quality and reliability. By choosing graded accommodations, you are investing in a more enjoyable, reliable and responsible travel experience.”