Common Grading Scheme Planned for Southern African Accommodation Establishments

June 6, 2011 - PRLog -- News announced at the recent Indaba 2011, the Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA) held a series of presentations and discussions, the topic of one of the tourism potential propositions on the table was to create a common grading scheme for all accommodation establishments that are members of RETOSA of which there are 14 member states (see members listed below). Thembi Kunene, Chief Quality Assurance Officer at the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) said "..consistent grading strengthens the integrity and competitiveness of Southern Africa's tourism product". There are a number of challenges to harmonising the grading criteria and implementation thereof, with a suggested target date for an integral grading scheme proposal set for 2015.

This is welcome news as currently tour operators in South Africa (and in the region) generally devise their own grading systems for the region's accommodation establishments, they may be called diamonds, or paw gradings, I have seen small dots and bars, and the list goes on, but basically they try to adhere to the principals of South Africa's Tourism Grading system to link 'like with like' products for ease of packaging throughout southern Africa.

For a great deal of the product that Intriguing Africa advertise on our website, we have personally visited the property and can give an opinion based on personal experience. In other instances, we know the 'group' or supplier well and have worked with the product for a number of years and trust our suppliers judgement and feedback, along with client feedback received as well, from which we formulate the grading of the establishment. Where we have graded a property in Africa we advise the following (example):
** Mozambique does not have an 'official' star grading system, we have based the lodges 5 stars on general ambiance, high levels of service, cuisine, quality decor and furnishings, the number of activities available, and the lodges' awesome location. However we have not considered the specifics e.g. mini-bar in your room and number of amenities within your bathroom, or square metreage of rooms/bathrooms etc. This is not to say that the lodge does not 'fit' all of these specifications, it is just that our recommendation is based more on the overall experience and ambiance of the lodge, with due consideration given to facilities as well. **

However Intriguing Africa welcomes a more forensic and fair approach to the grading of accommodation establishments throughout southern Africa, in which we can all have confidence, and this will directly benefit our clients at the end of the day as set standards will align products (and meet expectations).

RETOSA Members:

South Africa, Swaziland & Lesotho
Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Zambia
Mozambique
Mauritius
Madagascar
Malawi
Tanzania
Angola
Democratic Republic of Congo

For holiday packages throughout southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands, from budget to luxury, please get in touch with us for a personalised approach.
http://www.africaholidaysandsafaris.com/enquire

Visit us at: http://www.africaholidaysandsafaris.com/
Like us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Intriguing-Africa-Holidays-...

# # #

We offer tailor made packaged holidays & safaris in Africa & the Indian Ocean Islands, with romantic travel packages for honeymooners, including unique safari weddings if you wish to marry abroad, as well as family safaris and vacations, for all budgets.