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.

New Plaque

Old 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’’.

Artical Source: TGCSA