Tourism | BM
The low down on TGCSA (Tourism Grading Council of South Africa) Star Grading When picking your holiday accommodation, it's easy to go by star grading, provided you know exactly what they entail. However, there are many guests who are disappointed by their choice due to their - sometimes unrealistic - expectations not being met. It was during my exciting game drive experience at Thula Thula Private Game Reserve, while observing elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard including over 350 bird species at this luxury safari that I asked myself, if Thula Thula, one of the most luxurious destinations in South Africa is graded 4 stars, then how do they grade accommodations? How do I tell the difference between a 2-star and a 5-star graded establishment? “We have been four stars from the beginning, We have all standard criteria, size of the rooms and facilities in here. We could get five stars but we don't want that because that comes with too much pressure,” said Francoise Malby Anthony the owner. Francoise took over the passing of her husband Lawrence Anthony five years ago.
The breakdown The TGCSA Star Grading is an independent quality assessment and official ranking system recognized around the world that helps customers realize the overall quality of the establishment and the kind of facilities they can expect. The accommodations are graded from 1-star through to 5-stars (with 1-star being the most basic in terms of facilities and 5-star being the highest, offering all the bells and whistles). Accommodations are divided into 9 categories Hotels, Lodges, Bed and Breakfasts, Guest Houses, Country Houses, Self-Catering facilities, Caravan and Camping sites, MESE (Meetings, Exhibitions and Special Events) venues, Backpackers and hostels
Basic grading requirements Ÿ
The accommodation must have a formal reception area
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An on-site representative must be contactable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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Breakfast should be provided or available. Please note that breakfast is not necessarily included in the rate, and guests should inquire about this before they confirm their booking.
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Room servicing (including linen and towel change, removal or rubbish, and cleaning) En-suite or private bathroom
To be 4 or 5-star graded All the above and Accommodation must be available 7 days a week, Dining facilities on site, On-site parking, Concierge, porter, and luggage handling, Central business centre, ange of other services such as babysitting, Other exceptional facilities, such as a gym, beauty spa, etc. Full housekeeping and laundry service, Universal Access Compliance, Valet service
establishment is more of a gamble as you can't be sure of what to expect. Ÿ
1-star
A 1-star accommodation offers modest to good quality in terms of the overall standard of furnishings, services, and customer care. A 1-star establishment should be clean, comfortable, and functional. You should expect an en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries and towels. An adequate breakfast should be offered. 2-star
Ungraded
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Many ungraded establishments operate at star graded standards, however, an official star grading awarded by the TGCSA is the best quality assurance you can get. In other words, an ungraded
It should have everything 1 star has but must include a colour television, and an in-house bar or restaurant. Breakfast should include some hot food items.
53 | Oct/Nov | www.beadsmag.co.za
