MODULE 1: TGCSA

Question 1

WHO IS THE TOURISM GRADING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA (TGCSA)?

Answer 1

Est. 2000, the ONLY (1) recognised and (2) Globally Credible quality assurance body in South Africa

The TGCSA is responsible for:
* Grading of (1) tourism and (2) hospi-tality facilities and services against a predefined quality, criteria, service standard.

The TGCSA is the tourism marketing arm of the South African government
The TGCSA grades on a 1-5 star system.
The stars bear the South African flag.
The TGCSA grades 7 types of Accommodation Establishments
you can find graded establishments on their website.

Question 2

WHAT ARE THE 7 TYPES OF GRADED ACCOMMODATION?

Answer 2

1. Hotel Accommodation
2. Guest Accommodation
3. Self Catering Accommodation
4. Camping and Caravanning
5. Backpackers and Hostels
6. Game and Nature Lodges
7. Venues

Question 3

One of the 7 graded establishments is:
Hotel Accommodation
Which establishments are included in this category?
(can just name the headings, be able to describe)

Answer 3

Apartment Hotel:

Boutique Hotel:

Question 4

One of the 7 graded establishments is:
Guest Accommodation
Which establishments are included in this category?
(can just name the headings, be able to describe)

Answer 4

• Guest house:
• Country house:
• B&B

Question 5

One of the 7 graded establishments is:
Self - Catering
Which establishments are included in this category?
(can just name the headings, be able to describe)3.
Accomodation in which the guest is responsible for their own food

Answer 5

• S-C. Exclusive:
• S-C. Shared

Question 6

One of the 7 graded establishments is:
Venues
Which establishments are included in this category?
(can just name the headings, be able to describe)

Answer 6

• In- Hotel Venue
• Conference Centre
• Convention and Exhibition Centre
• Events Venue
• Historical Venue
• Function Venue

Question 7

WHAT ARE THE STEPS WHEN APPLYING FOR TGCSA ACCREDITATION?

Answer 7

1. Complete online application
2. Pay invoice
3. Choose an Assessor
4. The assessor visits and assesses the establishment (with predefined criteria)
5. Pre-screening is done by hte Provincial Master Assessor (PMA)
6. Final Decision of grading gets done by the TGCSA Awards Committee.
7. Certificates and plaques are awarded to successfully graded establishments.

Note: Valid for 1 year

Question 8

WHAT ARE THE BENIEFITS OF BEING A TGCSA GRADED MEMBER?

Answer 8

• Display the TGCSA plaque and certificates (indicating that the establishment meets/exceeds requirements). This instils customer confidence
• Use the TGCSA logo and star symbol for promotions and advertising.
• Be endorsed by the TGCSA and listed on their website.
• Be recognised nationally and internationally for their commitment to standards and services.
• Can exclusively display their star rating on the SA Tourism brochure (& others)
• Has credibility being affiliated to a credible and legitimate organisation
• Can receive customer feedback from the TGCSA Customer Feedback Management (CMA)
• Benefits from search engine optimisation
• Receive important updates, news and support on how to improve their grading status
• Connect with potential travellers through TGCSAs close business association with SATOUR and their in-vestments.
• Can potentially do business wth government officials, as they are obliged to stay at TGCSA graded facilities
• Receive international coverage by being profiled on the official TGCSA Accomodation guide distributed by SATOUR

Question 9

WHAT ARE SOME 5-STAR ACCOMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS IN SA?

Answer 9

Michelangelo Hotel, Sandton
Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Cape Town
The Oyster Box, Durban
The Palace of the Lost City Sun City, NW
Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth