From compliance to excellence: how South African properties are setting new tourism standards

South Africa’s accredited assessors gathered this week to strengthen the country’s global standards in tourism quality assurance for hospitality establishments. 

Their meeting coincided with the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa’s (TGCSA) 25th anniversary, celebrated at the 2025 Annual Assessor Conference on Wednesday, August 20, and Thursday, August 21. 

This year’s conference, held at the 4-star graded Wild Coast Sun in the Eastern Cape, brought together key stakeholders and assessors to discuss the refinement of grading criteria, provide essential refresher training and share the latest research and data to improve assessment quality and service delivery. 

The major theme was Universal Accessibility, ensuring South African tourism properties are inclusive and accessible to all, including people living with disabilities and the elderly.

“As the frontline custodians of South Africa’s tourism quality standards, our assessors play an indispensable role in shaping unforgettable experiences for travelers,” said Bronwen Auret, chief quality assurance officer at the Tourism Grading Council. 

Auret said that their expert evaluations ensure that every graded establishment meets rigorous, globally benchmarked criteria, reflecting the highest levels of service and hospitality.

“Our unwavering commitment to Universal Accessibility also demonstrates our dedication to creating an inclusive tourism landscape - where everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy the rich diversity and warmth of South Africa."

"Together, these efforts reinforce our pledge to excellence and position South Africa as a world-class, accessible travel destination.” 

TGCSA plays an instrumental role in elevating the quality and competitiveness of SA’s accommodation and conferencing sectors.

The official quality assurance body for the South African tourism industry's star grading system, recognised both locally and internationally, continues to set a benchmark for excellence, consistency, and credible service.

The 25-year milestone marks not only TGCSA’s enduring commitment to quality and service in accommodation but also celebrates NAA-SA’s own 25-year journey, said Rosemarie van Staden, the chairperson of the National Accommodation Association (NAA-SA). 

“Our members fully support the rigorous standards and assessor training that ensure South Africa’s hospitality shines on the global stage, especially as we continue to embrace inclusivity and universal accessibility,” said Van Staden. 

Quality assured accommodation and events facilities are a critical component of bidding for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. 

However, SA should not aim to just meet standards, but set them for the country's destination offering, said Glenton De Kock, chief executive officer of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI). 

“As we move beyond mere compliance, we create a distinct market advantage for South Africa. While quality is non-negotiable, it is also a promise that forms an integral part of the experience for delegates," De Kock added. 

He further highlighted the growing importance of assessors in this process, noting: “The role of assessors is ever more critical as the conference and events sector grows."

"TGCSA’s grading and quality assurance enhance confidence for international and domestic planners alike, ensuring South Africa remains competitive and a preferred choice for world-class events.” 

As SA’s tourism industry continues to evolve, the TGCSA asserted that it remains committed to upholding high standards to provide travellers with world-class experiences and to promote sustainable growth and development in the sector. 

The recent conference also focused on empowering assessors to better market the official TGCSA quality assurance system by supporting the growth and success of graded establishments nationwide.

It said this collaboration is vital for maintaining SA’s reputation as a top-quality travel destination on the global stage.

Speaking at the G20 Tourism Community Outreach in Mpumalanga earlier this month, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille highlighted that tourism financing and investment will take center stage at the upcoming Tourism Investment Summit in Cape Town on September 9 and 10, 2025, where investors, government and community leaders will forge partnerships to fund scalable local tourism ventures. 

Minister De Lille said SA will host more than 130 meetings and 23 ministerial-level meetings across major cities.

“Over 200 G20-related events are expected, pumping millions into local hotels, restaurants and transport services.” 

She added that this surge will generate short-term jobs in hospitality, security, event management and logistics, while exposing local tour guides, guesthouses, craft markets and SMMEs to international audiences. 

At the beginning of this year, TGCSA said that as SA prepares for the G20 - an international forum of both developing and developed countries which seeks to find solutions to global economic and financial issues, the council implored tourism accommodation providers and venues to get graded.

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