Book Accommodation Online - South African Tourism Grading Council

Introduction

The national star grading scheme developed for South Africa has been based on extensive international research as well as market research with the industry. International trends indicate a move away from structured and inflexible grading schemes to ones that are focused on customer expectations. Grading schemes which customers rate as good and understandable are simple and focused on the general standard of the property rather than on the range of facilities.

Research undertaken by tourism boards indicates that to a consumer "stars" mean quality around which they can make a "value for money" assessment on where they want to stay based on an impartial and independent assessment of a grading body. Local industry requirements and international trends were taken into account in the development of the grading scheme.

The objective of the national grading scheme is to assist in the improvement in the overall quality of accommodation and services in South Africa. The aim is not to police or impose strict and inflexible guidelines on grading. The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa will work together with establishments in improving quality in the tourism industry.

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.