GENERAL small town, a TGCSA star plaque signals that the property has met rigorous criteria. Graded properties can be found at www. tourismgrading. co. za.
The stars do not reflect“ good” or“ bad” in the way that online ratings do; instead, they match different budgets and travel purposes, giving both consumers and the trade confidence in the quality and consistency of the experience.
Getting what you pay for
Auret explains:“ A one-star property offers clean, safe and functional basics suited to budget-conscious travellers, while a five-star property delivers luxury, premium facilities and additional services. Each star level is important for the respective traveller, ensuring that guests get value for money at every grade.”
This, she adds, is not only about leisure travel.“ South Africa often hosts major international gatherings, like when we hosted the G20 Summit. When international visitors arrive – including heads of state, their delegations and business leaders, one of the first things they look at is star grading. It’ s part of their decision-making process. They need to know what to expect.”
Last year, the TGCSA launched a free grading campaign to encourage venues across the country to get rated ahead of the G20 preparations. The result was a boost in graded meeting and conferencing facilities, including the host venue, the Nasrec Expo Centre, which has now secured a four-star grading. getting graded, you can make sure you’ re going to deliver an exceptional, fit-for-purpose experience. When you are graded, you are more likely to get referrals and repeat visitors. That’ s the value of grading. It translates directly into customer satisfaction and future business.”
Building South Africa’ s brand
In a competitive global market, grading is also about the bigger picture and the country’ s national brand. Auret is clear that quality assurance strengthens South Africa’ s reputation as a destination worth visiting.
“ Star grading makes the consumer comfortable with the experience they want, and that inclusivity is critical,” she says.“ It means South Africa can confidently say to the world that no matter where you go, no matter your budget or your purpose of travel, we have a quality-assured option waiting for you.”
For the trade, that message is invaluable. A graded establishment is not just a place to stay. It is a promise of safety, comfort and standards that can be trusted. In an industry that relies on repeat business, word of mouth and global credibility, grading is the foundation that makes it all possible.
As Auret puts it,“ At the very essence of it, grading means you absolutely got what you paid for, and you’ re happy with it.” TT
Destination readiness in practice
The peak summer season is when standards matter most. For establishments, being ready for the influx of visitors is about more than marketing campaigns or special offers. It comes down to making sure the product itself is in order.
“ Being destination-ready is a little bit like spring cleaning,” Auret says.“ Destination readiness is about getting ready to receive guests. Make sure the bedside lamps are still in place, that everything works and that the customer will get the experience they expect.”
For properties that are not yet graded, Auret believes the summer rush is the perfect moment to take the leap.“ By
2026 / TRADE & TASTE 19