The countdown has begun… but it’s not too late to get in on the action! With South Africa set to welcome global leaders for the G20 Summit in November, the country’s tourism industry has been offered a rare chance to shine. But for hospitality establishments, a critical deadline has just been pushed back. Due to overwhelming demand, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) has extended its Free February promotion into March 2025, allowing more establishments to secure a competitive edge before the world arrives on our doorstep.
The extension provides trade partners across all nine provinces with an opportunity to benefit from free grading. While applications have surged in popular tourist hubs since the launch of the campaign at the start of the month, the TGCSA is committed to ensuring that every corner of South Africa, including lesser-known tourism regions, can participate and thrive.
“We’re at a crucial turning point in South African tourism,” says the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maggie Sotyu, speaking about the promotion’s extension. “With the Summit approaching, every graded establishment strengthens our country’s position as a world-class destination. We urge property owners not to let this opportunity slip away.”
With grading fees completely waived for a limited time, this is the moment for hotels, lodges, guesthouses, and event venues across the country to boost their credibility, attract high-value travellers, and stand out in a competitive market. As global delegates, decision-makers, and tourists prepare to arrive, only graded establishments will have the edge in securing premium bookings and international exposure.
Why grading matters now more than ever
As South Africa prepares to welcome thousands of international delegates and high-profile visitors ahead of the Summit, Sotyu says quality assurance is an expectation. Studies show that 91% of travellers consider star ratings when booking accommodation. And for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector — one of the biggest beneficiaries of the G20 influx — safety, service excellence, and globally recognised standards are top priorities for decision-makers.
“South Africa has a once-in-a-generation chance to redefine its tourism standing,” said Deputy Minister Sotyu. “We need more establishments to join the TGCSA’s graded portfolio, ensuring that every guest — whether a world leader, business delegate, or leisure traveller — experiences the highest level of quality and service.”
The benefits of becoming a graded establishment during this period extend beyond cost savings. Graded properties enjoy immediate recognition and international visibility, allowing them to tap into the growing market of quality-conscious travellers. These properties also have a marketing advantage when incorporating the internationally recognised star-grading system into their promotions. Graded properties also receive a quality framework and expert guidance to enhance their offerings, allowing them to stand out and shine in an increasingly competitive market.
The TGCSA’s comprehensive grading system evaluates properties across multiple dimensions, including the quality of facilities and service, safety and security measures, and technical infrastructure. This means that across the various categories, regardless of size, every property has a chance to shine in its own unique way.
The future of tourism is accessible…
Beyond traditional grading, Universal Accessibility (UA) grading is now a key focus, ensuring that accommodations cater to travellers with mobility, visual, and communication needs — a market that caters to an estimated 650 million individuals globally. “Revenue generated by this market is a staggering $13.6 billion in the United States alone,” Sotyu notes. “As a country, this remains largely an untapped revenue stream in our sector.”
The TGCSA’s approach to accessibility stands out for its comprehensive three-tier evaluation system. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution, the council assesses properties across three distinct categories: mobility, communication, and visual accessibility. Each category includes three levels of achievement, allowing establishments to progressively enhance their accessibility features while being recognised for their current efforts.
“Tourism products are designed with the sole purpose of being enjoyed by all,” emphasised Deputy Minister Sotyu. “By increasing the number of UA-graded properties, we will no doubt increase our revenue from this market while ensuring that South Africa truly becomes a destination for everyone.”
…and the future is sustainable
Complementing its commitment to accessibility, the TGCSA has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainable tourism through its Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP), which supports graded properties in future-proofing their operations while reducing environmental impact. This innovative collaboration with the Department of Tourism and the Industrial Development Corporation encourages tourism enterprises to adopt cleaner and renewable energy sources, addressing the growing global demand for environmentally conscious travel options.
In addition to environmental considerations, these criteria encompass economic and social sustainability aspects that contribute to the long-term viability of tourism establishments. As Deputy Minister Sotyu explains: “Sustainability is increasingly recognised as essential for ensuring that the industry can thrive without compromising the environment, local cultures, and communities.”
According to the TGCSA, properties that have embraced accessibility and sustainability measures report increased bookings from previously untapped markets and improved guest satisfaction scores. These properties are also positioned to attract international visitors who increasingly prioritise responsible and inclusive tourism options.
What does the extended Free Grading promotion offer?
For a limited time, the TGCSA is covering the full cost of grading. This means properties can display the TGCSA insignia, a locally and globally recognised mark of quality assurance. In addition to enhancing guest trust and booking confidence, participating properties also qualify for exclusive industry benefits, including government-backed incentives and access to marketing opportunities through platforms like the Sho’t Left Deals Dashboard.
For property owners, the TGCSA’s approach offers a clear competitive advantage. The council’s detailed assessment criteria provide a roadmap for improvements, while its globally benchmarked standards ensure that investments in accessibility and sustainability features meet international expectations.
The promotion is open to new establishments that have never been previously graded and properties whose grading expired before February 2022. It includes meeting and event venues and all accommodation categories.
The clock is ticking
Whether you’re a boutique hotel, guest house, lodge or conference venue, getting graded could be the best business decision you make in 2025. With the G20 Summit set to bring global decision-makers to South Africa, graded establishments will be the first choice for high-value travellers. The extended free grading campaign ensures that even more businesses — across all provinces — can benefit from this game-changing opportunity.
This is your moment to shine! Get your star grading before the extended promotion ends.
Visit www.tourismgrading.co.za and start your application today.