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GAUTENG TOURISM BUSINESSES RECOGNISED FOR QUALITY EXCELLENCE THROUGH BASIC QUALITY VERIFICATION PROGRAMME
Gauteng, South Africa – 16 March 2026 — The Department of Tourism, in partnership with South African Tourism and the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, today celebrated a significant milestone in advancing quality standards within the tourism sector, as 175 tourism establishments in Gauteng were officially recognised for successfully completing the Basic Quality Verification (BQV) Programme.
The certificate handover ceremony, led by Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu, brought together key stakeholders from across the tourism ecosystem, including government representatives, municipal leaders, tourism associations, and industry partners. The event underscored the importance of quality assurance in strengthening South Africa’s global competitiveness as a preferred travel destination.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister Sotyu emphasised that the recognition of these establishments represents more than the awarding of certificates—it reflects a broader commitment to excellence, growth, and the continuous improvement of South Africa’s tourism offering.
“Today is a celebration of progress and dedication. These businesses have taken a critical step toward enhancing the quality of service they provide, contributing meaningfully to the reputation of South Africa as a destination that delivers not only beauty, but excellence,” said Sotyu.
Driving Quality to Strengthen Tourism Competitiveness Tourism remains one of South Africa’s most vital economic sectors, contributing significantly to job creation, local economic development, and inclusive growth. However, in an increasingly competitive global tourism market, quality assurance has emerged as a key differentiator in attracting and retaining visitors.
Modern travellers are seeking more than scenic landscapes—they are looking for consistency, professionalism, authenticity, and memorable experiences. The BQV Programme directly responds to this demand by equipping tourism enterprises with the tools and guidance needed to improve service delivery and operational standards.
Implemented by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, the BQV Programme serves as an entry-level quality assurance initiative designed to support businesses that may not yet meet the full requirements for formal grading. It provides a structured pathway for improvement, enabling establishments to gradually align with national and international standards.
Through the programme, participating businesses benefit from:
Increased credibility and market confidence
This approach ensures that quality improvement is not an exclusive benchmark, but an inclusive journey that accommodates businesses at different stages of development.
Empowering SMMEs and Community-Based Tourism
A central focus of the BQV Programme is the empowerment of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), as well as community-based tourism businesses. These enterprises play a critical role in showcasing South Africa’s cultural richness, heritage, and authentic local experiences.
Many of the participating establishments are deeply rooted in their communities, offering visitors unique insights into local traditions and ways of life. By supporting these businesses to improve their standards, the programme not only enhances visitor experiences but also contributes to sustainable livelihoods and economic inclusion.
“Emerging tourism enterprises are the backbone of a resilient and inclusive tourism economy,” Sotyu noted. “By investing in their growth and development, we are strengthening the entire tourism value chain.”
The programme also aligns with broader national priorities of transformation and inclusive growth, ensuring that historically underrepresented businesses are given the opportunity to compete and thrive in the mainstream tourism market. Celebrating Achievement and Building Capacity.
The recognition of 175 establishments marks a significant achievement for the BQV Programme in Gauteng. Each certificate awarded represents a business that has demonstrated commitment to improving its service standards and operational excellence.
In addition to the participating businesses, the ceremony also acknowledged the vital role played by BQV Evaluators, the young graduates who contribute to the implementation of the programme. Their involvement not only ensures the integrity and credibility of the verification process but also supports skills development and employment within the tourism sector.
This dual impact—improving business quality while building human capital—highlights the programme’s broader contribution to sector development.
Encouraging Industry-Wide Participation
While the ceremony marked a moment of celebration, it also served as a call to action for tourism establishments across the country to prioritise quality assurance.
Industry stakeholders were encouraged to participate in programmes such as BQV and to continuously strive for improvement in service delivery. The benefits of investing in quality are far-reaching, including:
As global travel continues to recover and evolve, maintaining high standards will be essential in positioning South Africa as a destination of choice.
A Collective Commitment to Excellence
The success of the BQV Programme reflects a strong collaboration between government, industry bodies, and tourism enterprises. It demonstrates what can be achieved when stakeholders work together toward a shared vision of excellence.
South African Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that elevate quality standards and enhance the country’s tourism offering. By aligning marketing efforts with quality assurance programmes, the organisation aims to ensure that the experiences promoted to global audiences are consistently delivered on the ground.
Looking Ahead
As South Africa continues to rebuild and grow its tourism sector, programmes like BQV will play a critical role in shaping a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient industry.
The Department of Tourism and its partners remain committed to supporting the reach of the programme through the incubation of the establishments, supporting more businesses across provinces, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
In closing the ceremony, Deputy Minister Sotyu congratulated all certificate recipients, highlighting their contribution to the broader vision of a world-class tourism sector.
“Your dedication to quality is an investment in the future of our industry. Together, we are building a tourism sector that is not only competitive, but also inclusive, sustainable, and proudly South African.”