Tourism Grading Council Of South Africa

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) star is your insignia for providing your visitors with quality service. It takes a single glance for local and international visitors to recognise your quality and service excellence. As the official grading authority of South Africa, TGCSA is tasked with providing an independent and transparent grading assessment of tourism establishments across the country to further enhance the reputation of South Africa as a top travel destination by ensuring that the quality of service remains consistently high.

THE VALUE OF GRADING FOR TOURISM BUSINESSES

For businesses in the hospitality sector, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) grading system provides credibility and recognition. Grading ensures that establishments align with industry standards, improving their reputation and attracting both local and international tourists. Moreover, a higher star rating can command higher pricing, increasing profitability for the business. It also opens doors to greater marketing opportunities. Graded establishments are featured on the TGCSA website and other tourism-related platforms like Sho’t Left, offering exposure to a larger audience. Additionally, TGCSA members benefit from marketing and promotional opportunities through collaboration with South African Tourism and other industry stakeholders. You will gain access to trade shows, tourism conferences, and international events, helping you connect with potential customers and partners. The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa applies strict internationally recognised criteria to its grading process and is recognised as a world leader in this industry.

Any tourism establishment in South Africa that meets the following requirements can register for the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA):

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The establishment must be privately owned and majority South African
It must be registered with the Companies Act
It must be tax-compliant with the South African Revenue Services (SARS)
It must comply with the Tourism B-BBEE Code
It must be registered as a business with the provincial authority or municipality
It must have public liability insurance
It must comply with local authority regulations
It must have a health and safety certificate
It must have a liquor license, where applicable

Click here for a detailed list of grading criteria and brief descriptions.

REGISTRATION PROCESS

Complete the online application form at www.tourismgrading.co.za
Choose an assessor
Pay the invoice
Make an appointment with the assessor
The assessor will submit a recommendation to the Awards Committee

After the evaluation, if your establishment is approved, a grading certificate is issued, and you must maintain the standards to retain their status. Your establishment is reassessed regularly, and grading is renewed annually to ensure it upholds the standards set by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA). For price and annual fee estimations, click here. The grading registration is free of charge until 31st March 2025.

WHO CAN REGISTER

There are seven main types of establishments that travellers can choose from, such as formal accommodations (hotels, apartment hotels, boutique hotels, small hotels), guest accommodations (bed & breakfasts, country houses, guesthouses), self-catering accommodations (exclusive, shared), game lodges, nature lodges, backpackers & hostels, caravan & camping sites, and venues. The grading process involves a detailed evaluation by trained assessors who visit each establishment and assess its adherence to the required standards. These assessors take into account a wide range of factors such as:

BENEFITS OF GRADING FOR BUSINESSES

For businesses in the hospitality sector, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) grading system provides credibility and recognition. Grading ensures that establishments align with industry standards, improving their reputation and attracting both local and international tourists. Grading also opens doors to greater marketing opportunities. Graded establishments are featured on the TGCSA website and other tourism-related platforms like Sho’t Left, offering exposure to a larger audience. Additionally, TGCSA members benefit from marketing and promotional opportunities through collaboration with South African Tourism and other industry stakeholders. You will gain access to trade shows, tourism conferences, and international events, helping you connect with potential customers and partners.

With tourism being one of South Africa’s most significant economic contributors, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa plays an essential role in preserving and growing this vital sector. As the industry evolves, the TGCSA continuously adapts its grading standards to reflect global trends and advancements in technology, customer expectations, and sustainability. The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGSA) is an essential institution that contributes greatly to the country’s tourism industry. Its grading system provides clarity and assurance to tourists and businesses alike, ensuring high standards and enhancing the overall tourism experience.

The quickest way to tell if an establishment is TGCSA approved or not is to visit http://www.tourismgrading.co.za/, click on the “FIND A GRADED ESTABLISHMENT” tab, and enter the full name of the establishment. If it’s not listed here, it’s not (yet) a TGCSA approved establishment.

The grading registration is free of charge until 31st March 2025.