Latest News and Events

February 2019

Bumper Year for TGCSA

20 February 2019

Bumper Year for TGCSA  It’s been an exciting start to the year for the team at the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA). 2019 represents a historic and momentous year for the Grading Counci...

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November 2018

Grading Criteria

12 November 2018

SOUTH AFRICA, JOHANNESBURG, 8th November 2018 new TGCSA grading criteria set to improve competitive EDGE of South Africa!   In a bid to advance and maintain a recognisable, credible and globally bench...

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October 2018

GTIP Press Release

11 October 2018

MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WATER EFFICIENCY NOW PART OF THE GREEN TOURISM INCENTIVE PROGRAMME FROM THE THIRD APPLICATION WINDOW 30 August 2018 The Department of Tourism is pleased to announc...

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July 2018

The Green Tourism Incentive Programme

18 July 2018

The Green Tourism Incentive Programme Tourism’s rapid expansion offers major opportunities for economic growth but presents the considerable challenge of managing this growth sustainably without plac...

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June 2018

Final Advert - Independent Hosting Specialist

27 June 2018

Are you passionate about South Africa, travel and tourism and possess the required qualifications and skills? Then we invite you to apply for this exciting position in the Brand and Marketing Business...

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April 2018

Best of the best’ invited to enter the 2018 Lilizela Tourism Awards

09 April 2018

  “The Lilizela Tourism Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate trailblazers as well as service excellence in the South African tourism industry.” Entries for the esteemed Lilizela Tourism Awards ...

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November 2017

what3words - Tech Advance

28 November 2017

Tourists will never get lost again, thanks to 3 simple words In the travel industry the customer experience is everything, and we go to great pains to make sure that, from the moment of booking, ever...

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November 2017

A note of welcome from TGCSA

28 November 2017

 A note of welcome from TGCSA According to a 2016 report by consultant and advisory firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), South Africa’s hotel industry is set for steady growth in the next five years. D...

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November 2017

Unpacking the findings of the Perception Study on TGCSA grading system

20 November 2017

One of our most significant projects of 2017 was the Perception Study on Grading in South Africa which assisted us better understand our tourism trade partners’ needs. As the only recognised and globa...

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November 2017

Tourism is opening up in the North West Province’s villages, townships and ‘dorpies’!

20 November 2017

The Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) in partnership with the North West Department of Tourism (NWDT) has embarked on a programme to grade previously ‘hidden’ establishments in villages, townshi...

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November 2017

TGCSA graded Establishments celebrate a night of stars at the fifth annual Lilizela Tourism Awards

20 November 2017

JOHANNESBURG: South African tourism service excellence was the biggest winner on Sunday 29 October 2017, when the fifth annual Lilizela Tourism Awards lit up the Sandton Convention Centre with an unfo...

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November 2017

Its official, Government travellers to stay in star graded establishments!

20 November 2017

Don’t get left behind and get your accommodation establishment graded to access government travel spend In September 2017 the National Treasury Department issued the year’s National Treasury Instructi...

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October 2017

SA Tourism’s star-grading system makes government procurement simple

20 October 2017

GRADED ESTABLISHMENTS OFFER ACCOMMODATION WITHIN RELIABLE PRICE AND QUALITY PARAMETERS. Government officials now have the convenience of choosing from more than 5000 star-graded establishments across ...

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October 2017

Tourism is opening up in the North West Province’s villages, townships and ‘dorpies’!

18 October 2017

The Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) in partnership with the North West Department of Tourism (NWDT) has embarked on a programme to provide grading support for establishments based in villages,...

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September 2017

Boga Legaba part of National Gazelle 2017 TOP 40

12 September 2017

Mahikeng, North West – 28 June 2017- After a rigorous four stage process, Boga Legaba Guest House & Conference Centre is proud to announce that we have been selected to be a member of the prestigi...

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August 2017

RASA’s Wendy Alberts triumphs as Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government 2017

28 August 2017

The Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government publication has grown significantly from its sole focus on celebrating prominent women in South Africa, to include women across the conti...

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August 2017

New PQAS to oversee quality assurance in Eastern and Northern Cape

15 August 2017

The TGCSA would like to extend a hearty welcome to Tshepo Matlou, who has been appointed our new Provincial Quality Assurance Specialist (PQAS) for the Eastern Cape and the Northern Cape provinces, ba...

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July 2017

New Lap of Luxury pavilion earns five stars at Indaba 2017

26 July 2017

The TGCSA is thrilled at the overwhelming response that greeted our sparkling new addition to this year’s Indaba (now renamed Africa’s Travel Indaba) in Durban, the Lap of Luxury pavilion. This initia...

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July 2017

The countdown is on as Lilizela glory beckons

26 July 2017

If your establishment has entered the fifth annual Lilizela Tourism Awards, you’ll be pleased to hear that judging is underway ahead of the “big reveal” of provincial winners in September and national...

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July 2017

Message from the Chief Quality Assurance Officer’s desk

26 July 2017

Welcome to the second half of 2017, from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) team! We’re over the mid-year bump and are thankfully heading into the warmer months, which I trust will be...

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July 2017

Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) Welcomes 64 new Members in June 2017!

19 July 2017

More South African establishments are opening their doors to TGCSA assessors in their commitment to offer visitors exceptional quality products. As the country’s only recognised and globally benchmark...

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June 2017

THE PAN-AFRICAN HEALTH TOURISM CONGRESS

09 June 2017

The 2017 Pan-African Health Tourism Congress is taking place in KwaZulu-Natal from 8 – 9 June.  The congress, which is an African Health Tourism sector Flagship event, has a specific purpose of explor...

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June 2017

Statement from Darryl Erasmus, Chief Quality Assurance Officer at the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa on the fires in Knysna

09 June 2017

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa extends its condolences to the families and all the individuals who have lost loved ones, homes and other items in the on-going Knysna fires.  Our heartfelt...

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May 2017

Tourism Grading Council of South Africa Statement on violation of privacy at Hilton Hotel, Durban

25 May 2017

Tourism Grading Council of South Africa strives to ensure that all graded establishments treat customers and staff with the utmost respect. We acknowledge and honor everyone’s right to privacy and fre...

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April 2017

The TGCSA 5-star luxury Pavilion exhibition booths at Indaba 2017 are selling fast!

18 April 2017

JOHANNESBURG: The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) stand at INDABA 2017 promises to be a key attraction at this year’s INDABA. This new Luxury Pavilion is designed to convey the sheer l...

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April 2017

JOIN US FOR AFRICA’S LEADING HOSPITALITY & FOOD SERVICE TRADE SHOW

12 April 2017

As a valued client of the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA), we invite you to visit us at HOSTEX 2017 where we will share with you new developments at the TGCSA. We look forward to shar...

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April 2017

APRIL HOLIDAYS – THE PERFECT TIME TO UPLOAD YOUR DEALS

12 April 2017

April is upon us and it’s an ideal time for South Africans to get away! Why not make their break a special one by uploading your accommodation deals to the Sho’t Left Deals Dashboard.  Whether it’s a ...

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April 2017

National Department of Tourism transfers the Administration of the Tourism Grading Support Programme to the TGCSA

12 April 2017

The National Department of Tourism and the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) have entered into an agreement to transfer administration of the Tourism Grading Support Programme from the D...

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March 2017

South African Tourism’s flagship awards to once again reward service excellence and innovation

06 March 2017

Outstanding businesses in the tourism industry are invited to enter the 5th annual Lilizela Tourism Awards, with submissions opening on 1 March 2017. The latest instalment of the annual prestigious Li...

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February 2017

JOIN US FOR AFRICA’S LEADING HOSPITALITY & FOOD SERVICE TRADE SHOW

27 February 2017

As a valued client of Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) we would love to show share with you, new developments within the Star Grading System and how you can benefit as a star graded est...

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February 2017

COST OF GRADING REDUCED AS TOURISM GRADING SUPPORT PROGRAMME TRANSFERS TO THE TOURISM GRADING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA

27 February 2017

Tourism establishments can save up to 90% on the cost of grading from February 2017, which has been made possible through the integration of the Tourism Grading Support Programme under the broader Tou...

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February 2017

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ON THE TRANSFER OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE TOURISM GRADING SUPPORT PROGRAMME TO THE TGCSA

26 February 2017

Q: Who qualifies for the discount on tourism grading assessment fees?A: All establishments that apply for tourism grading with the TGCSA and meet the qualifying criteria and submit all required suppor...

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February 2017

Message from the Chief Quality Assurance Officer’s desk

09 February 2017

Happy 2017 from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) team! Looking back, I’m pleased to report that 2016 was fantastic year for the business. We increased our membership numbers every s...

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January 2017

A night with the stars at the Lilizela Tourism Awards 2016

23 January 2017

South African Tourism’s flagship award ceremony continues to be the toast of the travel industry for the 4th year since its inception in 2013 Sunday the 16th October 2016 was a night of honour and gla...

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January 2017

TGCSA’s Innovative marketing & communications approach pays off!

23 January 2017

In the last quarter of 2016, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA), broke the mould and introduced a new approach to showcasing local hospitality establishments in the country. TGCSA and...

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January 2017

Social Media Etiquette’s - Top Ten rules

23 January 2017

So everyone is on social media and they keep asking for your establishment’s social media page. Getting started with social media as a small business owner isn’t too difficult especially if you have a...

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October 2016

Tourism industry stars toasted at Lilizela Tourism Awards

26 October 2016

The “best of the best” in the South African tourism industry were celebrated at the 2016 Lilizela Tourism Awards, held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on 16 October 2016. A total of 5...

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October 2016

Employees and Your Business

26 October 2016

Employees – Wow, if it weren’t for all those letters, it would most certainly be a four letter word, for all the trouble they cause an Entrepreneur. Don’t get me wrong, employees are an essential part...

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October 2016

Tax Planning for Your Business

26 October 2016

There are only two certainties in life: Death and Taxes! Who would have thought that when these words were penned by Benjamin Franklin in 1789 that they would consume so much of our time as business o...

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October 2016

A NIGHT OF THE STARS - WINNERS OF 2016 LILIZELA TOURISM AWARDS ARE ANNOUNCED IN JOHANNESBURG

19 October 2016

SA Tourism’s flagship tourism awards toast to service excellence in the travel industry Sandton, JOHANNESBURG: It was a night of honour and glamour when the South African tourism industry celebrated i...

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October 2016

Responsible tourism gets the green light

17 October 2016

Did you know that South Africa is the seventh most biodiverse country in the world? We are a nation that promotes tourism which positively affects the upliftment of its communities, while not affectin...

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October 2016

Tech tick-box to give you a digital edge

08 October 2016

Technology is revolutionising the way people travel, so it’s vital for you as a tourism operator to understand what digital facilities your guests need and expect at your establishment. But the good n...

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October 2016

New decor show proves it’s easier than you think to boost your TGCSA star rating

03 October 2016

In trying economic times, players in the hospitality industry can transform their establishments from mediocre to fabulous with just a little ingenuity. This can clearly been seen in DStv’s new lifest...

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October 2016

Why grading gives you a competitive edge

02 October 2016

From the Chief Quality Assurer’s desk   Does being graded by an accredited grading assessor give you, as a tourism operator, a competitive edge over your non-graded peers? Definitely – think of it as ...

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October 2016

'n Ster vir my bed

01 October 2016

There’s nothing more satisfying than watching a makeover show, whether it’s seeing someone transform from an ugly duckling into a swan or experiencing the metamorphosis of a building from untidy house...

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September 2016

TGCSA ACCREDITED GRADING ASSESSORS ENSURE YOU GET THE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE YOU SIGNED UP FOR!

22 September 2016

That’s why the work of the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa’s (TGCSA) Accredited Grading Assessors is crucial. Think of it this way: if a visitor fancies a little luxury when they’re on holiday...

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February 2016

Entries open for prestigious 2016 Lilizela Tourism Awards

01 February 2016

SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM has announced that entries for the 2016 Lilizela Tourism Awards will open on 1 March and will close on the 31st May 2016. These Awards recognise and reward tourism players and bu...

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June 2014

South African Tourism embarks on the inaugural Power Of One Roadshow – A nationwide roadshow with strategic partners

09 June 2014

South African Tourism (SAT) has embarked on a series of road shows to meet traders in the market as their partners in profitability to enhance understanding of domestic tourism which is the lifeblood ...

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June 2014

TGCSA Stakeholders Update - INDABA 2014

03 June 2014

Tonight, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA), a business unit of South African Tourism launched the Grading Criteria and Minimum Requirements of Entry for Game Lodges following months ...

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June 2014

The Big Announcements at INDABA 2014

03 June 2014

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa introduces the new Game Lodge Grading Category and an exciting partnership with TripAdvisor.  

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June 2014

Tourism Grading Council of South Africa goes large at INDABA

02 June 2014

FRESH BACK from a successful national roadshow, TGCSA was at it again at the INDABA 2012. This year, the TGCSA  hosted a number of star-grading events and interactions to give the global travel trade ...

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September 2013

South Africa’s finest tourism entrepreneurs honoured at the Lilizela Tourism Awards

12 September 2013

“The Lilizela Tourism Awards herald a new beginning in recognising and rewarding tourism players who have made excellence in tourism the minimum standard” The inaugural Lilizela Tourism Awards nationa...

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June 2013

Lilizela Tourism Awards Podcast

27 June 2013

Click here to listen to Ms. Thembi Kunene, Chief Quality Assurance Officer of the TGCSA talking on SABC Radio Channel Africa about the new Lilizela Tourism Awards. Click here for the Lilizela Tourism ...

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May 2013

TripAdvisor Master Class - INDABA 2013

11 May 2013

This year at INDABA, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) hosted a master class with TripAdvisor, the world’s biggest and most influential travel website with 60 million unique monthly ...

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May 2013

TGCSA Stakeholders Update - INDABA 2013

01 May 2013

The TGCSA annual INDABA Stakeholder Function is a key South African Tourism event aimed at providing stakeholders with an update on all quality assurance matters. This flagship event is only open to i...

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January 2013

Invitation to comment on 3 - year Criteria Review

01 January 2013

In 2008, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, in partnership with industry stakeholders, embarked on a journey to review the Grading Criteria and Minimum Requirements as a result of various an...

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September 2012

Tourism Month Insights

08 September 2012

Thembi Kunene, Chief Quality Assurance Officer for the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, talks about Tourism Month 2011.

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June 2012

Minister of Tourism appoints the new TGCSA Awards Committee

14 June 2012

South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk, has announced the appointment of the new Awards Committee of the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA). The Awards Committee o...

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November 2011

TGCSA Annual Assessors Conference 2011

30 November 2011

The TGCSA Assessors Conference’s is an annual event whose main focus is to provide the TGCSA Accredited Grading Assessors with refresher training on the grading criteria and minimum requirements of en...

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October 2011

TGCSA takes to the road to rally accommodation establishments behind Brand South Africa

05 October 2011

Global destination competitiveness relies on quality and standards making Star Grading a profoundly powerful marker in the minds of world travel consumers.With over R50mil spent on hosting internation...

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September 2011

Grading fees effective 01 October 2011

19 September 2011

The fees below apply for all categories effective 01 October 2011 PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FEES BELOW EXCLUDE THE JOINING FEE! Rate in Rands1-500501-10001001-15001501- 20002001-25002501-35003501-5000>5000...

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May 2011

TGCSA Provides industry with update on new grading criteria

13 May 2011

Ms Thembi Kunene, Chief Quality Assurance Officer: “The new grading criteria has enhanced the credibility of the grading system”The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) today provided the i...

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May 2011

TGCSA showcase Universal Accessibility at INDABA 2011

13 May 2011

The TGCSA stand at INDABA this year designed by Oasys Innovations incorporated a major factor in our new grading criteria – Universal Accessibility (UA). The stand showcased the mobility accessibility...

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March 2011

Media statement by the office of Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Tourism

22 March 2011

South Africa’s star quality now a leading global lightThe Minister of Tourism, Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk, today unveiled the new star Grading Plaque together with the Universal Accessibility (UA) Pla...

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