Accommodation grading on track for July 24 implementation

"THE Grading Council and Grant Thornton Kessel Feinstein have been working rigorously to ensure that accommodation grading will be in place by the end of this month." So says Anitha Soni, the Chairperson of the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, who adds that the development of the Business plan for tourism grading is progressing as planned - inline with the July 24 commencement date. The new criteria against which accommodation establishments will be assessed have been developed based on international best practice. "The grading criteria take cognisance of South Africa's diverse range of accommodation facilities. The criteria are not prescriptive - we have moved away from the 'old school' approach of grading. Instead the criteria guide the assessor in evaluating each establishment in the context of the market/s they serve." says Soni. The Grading Council has agreed that the accommodation industry will be graded according to the following categories: Hotel; Lodge accommodation; Guesthouse; Bed and Breakfast; and Self-catering. Soni comments that it is important to note that the 'experience' offered at an establishment such as a game reserve, golf course, beach, etc will not be considered when the establishment's accommodation is assessed. Only the accommodation and related food and beverage and public areas will be assessed. "The grading of the experience will follow at a later stage. At this point we are focusing our attention on grading the accommodation sector." Industry response to the Grading Council's Internet-based questionnaire has been extremely positive. Of the approximately 200 respondents, more than 80% stated that they will definitely or most likely be graded when the system is up and running. In addition the need to grade the entire tourism industry was recognised, with most respondents agreeing that grading of the accommodation sector is imperative. (Miguel de Sousa)