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 The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) is a dynamic organisation that ensures the standard of quality of accommodation and conference venues, (Meetings, Exhibitions and Special Events (MESE) throughout South Africa. This is achieved by literally "putting the stars where they belong". TGCSA provides a rigorous framework and process for the grading and implementation of its star grading system.
Established in September 2000 by the first Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mr Valli Moosa, TGCSA has gone from strength to strength. The grading process is voluntary and yet more than 50% of all accommodation establishments have chosen to be graded, with hundreds joining every month.
The stars awarded are an important recognition of an establishment’s quality. An added benefit is the understanding of the philosophy of a shared responsibility of those stars and the end benefit that this assurance brings to the customer.
To ensure credibility and independence in measuring this grading system, a consumer feedback mechanism monitors the customer’s expectations. This valuable and impartial tool guides the grading system, ensuring that the best-established practices re followed and where adjustments or improvements are required, the establishment concerned is advised accordingly.
The Tourism Grading Council ensures that a process of quality assurance is continuously sought across tourism facilities and services offered to the consumer. This process is a collaborative one, with as much voluntary participation as is possible, from all businesses seeking to showcase their products in this vibrant industry. The Grading Council also seeks to increase consumer confidence and involvement in the grading process through its feedback system. In doing so it enhances the value of the overall system.
The Tourism Grading Council urges all tourism industry providers in South Africa to be willing and committed to a partnership that maintains, delivers and promotes the star grading system. Such a shared commitment would bring about the highest levels of quality assurance, the best possible value for money and the recognition that customer expectations are paramount. This would put the stars where they belong!
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