Tourism Grading Council of South Africa

Introduction
Establishments will be assessed according to the type of accommodation they provide. There are currently 9 types of establishments:

B&B
Guest House
Hotel
Lodge
Self-Catering
Backpacker and Hostelling
Caravan and Camping
Country House
Meeting, Exhibitions, Special Events (MESE)
Restaurants

The same grading criteria will apply to the first 4 categories i.e. serviced accommodation, although the minimum criteria differ across all categories.

Establishments providing various types of accommodation may wish to be graded under each applicable category.

Establishments should read the definitions, minimum requirements and the grading criteria for each category before applying for grading under a particular category.

In all instances only establishments that cater for transient guests (the traveling public) will qualify for grading.

Benefits
Some of the benefits listed below will be immediate, whilst others will be introduced gradually. Additional benefits are also presently being negotiated with government departments and national associations and agencies.

Members of the grading scheme will:

Be able to display the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa plaque and internationally recognised star rating outside their premises indicating that they meet or exceed the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa's requirements;

Be able to use of the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa's logo and star symbols in advertising and promotion material, stationery, etc;

Be able to display the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa certificate inside their establishments;

Have exclusive use of brown information signs on national roads;

Have the opportunity to purchase additional Tourism Grading Council of South Africa signs, plaques, etc;

Be listed on the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa's website, by location and star grading;

Be recognised, both nationally and internationally, for their commitment to standards and service within the hospitality industry;

Be exclusively able to display their star-rating in SA Tourism and other brochures;

Stars
The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa has secured the exclusive use of the "star" symbol to denote standards in the Tourism Industry. Establishments will be assessed and given a "star" rating. Brief descriptions of what each star level represents can be viewed for serviced and self-catering accommodation.


Accommodation (Hotel / B&B, Guest House, Lodge, Country Houses)

Fair to good (acceptable/modest) quality in the overall standard of furnishings, service and guest care. Clean, comfortable and functional accommodation.

Good quality in the overall standard of furnishings, service and guest care.

Very good quality in the overall standard of furnishings, service and guest care.

Superior (excellent) comfort and quality with a high standard of furnishings, service and guest care.

Exceptional quality and luxurious accommodation (matching best international standards). Highest standard of furnishings, flawless service and meticulous guest care.



Self-catering (Self Catering, Caravan & Camping, Backpacker & Hostelling)

Fair to good (acceptable/modest) quality in the overall standard of furnishings and service. Clean, comfortable and functional accommodation.

Good quality in the overall standard of furnishings and service.

Very good quality in the overall standard of furnishings and service.

Superior (excellent) comfort and quality with a high standard of furnishings and service.

Exceptional quality and luxurious accommodation (matching best international standards). Highest standard of furnishings and flawless service