TGCSA
puts a stop to illegal display of Grading Stars!
Ms Thembi Kunene, Chief Quality
Assurance Officer: “A new Grading Plaque with a unique serial
number coupled with the newly enacted Consumer Protection Act protects
our credibility”
In introducing the New Grading Criteria,
the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) will also introduce
Grading Plaque to be displayed by all graded establishments which
aims to curb the illegal usage of the Star Grading insignia by unscrupulous
operators.
This official symbol of quality status
for accommodation establishments has the following key features:
· The gold with black lettering has been maintained.
· A full colour logo of the TGCSA
has also been maintained.
· The Star Grading status and
the category now makes for easier reference on the plaque.
· A unique serial number features
on the bottom right of the plaque.
· Ownership statement by the TGCSA
is reflected on the bottom left of the plaque.
The TGCSA will rely on the two most critical features on the plaque
to stop the illegal use of the Star Grading insignia by those operators
who are either no longer star-graded or fraudulently purporting
to be star-graded. These two features are the unique serial number
as well as the very clear ownership statement which will give the
TGCSA the legal right and power to remove the plaque when necessary.
Ms Thembi Kunene states:’’
The TGCSA has invested a lot of resources in reviewing our Grading
Criteria, installing brand new IT Infrastructure, among other transformation
initiatives, and we will be coming down hard on all those abusing
our Star-Grading insignia. The reliance on our Star-Grading system
by the local and international tourists leaves us no other choice.
The new Consumer Protection Act will also assist us tremendously’’.
‘’It is critical for all
establishments to take note that going forward, the Grading Plaque
will be issued by the TGCSA and no longer can establishments purchase
it directly from the manufacturer. This is an essential added benefit
being extended to the graded establishments since the cost of the
New Plaque will henceforth be borne by the TGCSA’’.
Ends
___________________________________________________________________________________
Issued by the TGCSA
For more information contact
Thekiso Rakolojane
Marketing and Communications Manager, TGCSA
+27 11 895 3018
thekiso@tourismgrading.co.za
Visit the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa at www.tourismgrading.co.za |
