Swaziland introduces new grading system

THE Swaziland
Government has
recently introduced a
new accommodation grading
system in what it says is a bid
to affirm its commitment to
tourism growth in the country.
The country’s Minister
of Tourism, Jabulani
Mabuza, has appointed
a dedicated committee
to grade accommodation
establishments that have
signed up by using star
grading.
Jabulani said the grading
system was expected
to improve quality and
standards within the industry.
Ratings will also help tour
operators and clients make
more informed decisions
about their choice of
accommodation.
Darron Raw, chairman of
the Hospitality and Tourism
Association of Swaziland, says
grading systems are always
a positive development for
the marketing of a country, as
they help both direct clients
and operators to benchmark
the value for money that they
get from various properties.
He adds that grading also
provides an incentive for
individual property owners
to justify expenditure to
improve or maintain their
services at a certain level.
“I think a measurement
of this nature will inspire
most establishments to
shake off any apathy around
refurbishments and staff
training requirements. Again,
this has got to pay off in the
long-run for the country.”
Darron says that while some
of the smaller boutique-type
establishments may question
the need for clinical type
grading, as their value lies
more in their atmosphere and
hospitality than in the physical
infrastructure, the fact is that
a lot of business comes down
online distribution channels,
where rooms are often
viewed more as commodities.
“Commodities need grading
to assist buyer design-making,
particularly corporate buyers,
so grading will no doubt
reduce the risk for this market
segment,” he says.