Three Star Grading in South Africa

An essential playbook for every establishment

Three star TGCSA grade tells guests to expect very good overall quality, with stronger consistency in rooms, bathrooms, public areas and service than at entry levels.

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa runs the official, annually renewed star grading system for hotels, guest accommodation, self catering, lodges, backpackers and hostels, and caravan and camping sites. Tourism Grading+1

What a three star grade means in plain language

Three star signals very good quality in furnishings, facilities, service and guest care, with broader amenity coverage and more polished delivery than one or two star. Exact checks vary by category and are set out in TGCSA’s 2019 criteria matrices.

Who this level suits

• Midscale hotels and small hotels that deliver consistent comfort and a fuller service set
• Guesthouses, country houses and B and Bs with dependable service and breakfast quality that meets the market
• Self catering units with complete kitchens and clearly communicated housekeeping routines
• Backpacker and hostel operators that keep dorms and private rooms comfortable with well run shared spaces
• Caravan and camping parks with tidy sites, reliable ablutions, and organised reception and public areas Tourism Grading

How to qualify, one page view of key requirements

Below are cross cutting expectations that become more evident at three star, followed by category specifics. Use the TGCSA booklet for the line by line checklist. Tourism Grading

Safety, security, and lighting

• Fit for purpose safety and security throughout, emergency information and evacuation signage displayed, secure access for guests
• Entrances, stairways, passages and parking are well lit, with acceptable temperature control and ventilation in public areas Tourism Grading

Bedrooms and beds

• Good quality beds and bases in sound condition, access around the bed, bedside surface and reading light per sleeping position become the norm at this level
• Adequate hanging space and hangers, a luggage rack, and a desk or table with direct task lighting are expected markers of three star comfort Tourism Grading

Bathrooms

• Impervious finishes, good lighting and ventilation, bath or shower with proper enclosure, mirror near the basin, fit for purpose towel rails and hooks
• Amenity provision scales with the star level, at three star guests should find a reliable core set presented for daily use Tourism Grading

Public areas

• Seating sized to the space, clear directional signage to rooms and reception, with acceptable noise control, lighting and ventilation across lounges and walkways Tourism Grading

Housekeeping and service

• Daily servicing of bedrooms and bathrooms, neat staff appearance, accurate reservations and billing, and clear guest information at check in and check out Tourism Grading

Category specifics at three star

Hotels, small hotels, apartment hotels, boutique hotels

• Reception and records Reception may keep extended hours, backed by a night bell or direct line to a responsible person, guest records and invoices must be accurate and complete Tourism Grading
• Public spaces and beverages Public areas are furnished and lit to a safe standard, a beverage service must be offered that suits the market and hours stated Tourism Grading
• Connectivity Access to power in public areas is required, Wi Fi in public areas is expected where signal exists Tourism Grading
• Vertical movement Provide a lift when any guest bedroom is more than two floors above or below the entrance level, so all rooms remain reasonably accessible Tourism Grading
• Bedrooms and bathrooms in hotels
• Daily cleaning with beds made, bathrooms en suite, emergency information and backup lighting available in every room, secure locking from inside and outside of the guestroom door Tourism Grading
• Food and beverage in hotels
• Breakfast and other meals, when offered, are presented professionally with table appointments that match the service, and temperatures are correct at service Tourism Grading

Guest accommodation, guesthouse, country house, bed and breakfast

• Host presence A host or representative is contactable twenty four hours and available on site or within a five minute drive for check in
• Guest only spaces Dining room and lounge are for the exclusive use of guests, bathrooms are en suite or exclusive use for the room
• Breakfast Breakfast must be provided for Guest House, Country House and B and B, with service and presentation aligned to three star expectations
• Housekeeping Daily servicing applies including weekends and public holidays Tourism Grading

Self catering accommodation, exclusive use and shared

• Kitchens A proper food preparation area with safe appliances and direct lighting to work surfaces, appropriate cookware and smalls, and a dining table with seating for the unit’s maximum occupancy
• Connectivity Televisions positioned for viewing in the living area, Wi Fi throughout the establishment where signal is available
• Public areas in shared settings Shared lounges and reception areas are adequately furnished and signed, with acceptable lighting and ventilation Tourism Grading

Game lodges and nature lodges

• Public areas Furnished and lit to safe standards, with clear directional signage and comfortable temperature control
• Dining Meals and beverages are provided on the property, breakfast quality and dinner presentation match the level, with correct service temperatures
• Service Staff are professional and attentive, table appointments match the meals offered Tourism Grading

Backpackers and hostels

• Shared living A guest dining area and social spaces are available, with acceptable lighting and ventilation, passages and stairs are kept clear and well lit at all times
• Bathrooms Communal bathrooms are cleaned and ventilated properly, with the required fixtures and privacy in place for shared use
• Bedrooms Dorms and privates have appropriate lighting, mirrors and bins, with safe bunk bed arrangements and storage that can be secured by each guest Tourism Grading

Caravan and camping sites

• Sites Numbered, accessible, level and well drained, with fit for purpose parking and internal road lighting
• Reception and halls Clear opening hours displayed, corridors and stairs well lit, seating layouts allow easy movement
• Ablutions and public spaces Separate male and female facilities unless private or family bathrooms are provided, public areas and laundries are thoroughly cleaned at least daily Tourism Grading

How to get your three star grade, step by step

1. Apply online on the TGCSA website, complete the application for one year membership and select an assessor tqit.southafrica.net
2. Prepare for assessment using the criteria matrix for your category and target star, then host the accredited assessor on the agreed date Tourism Grading
3. Annual renewal grading is valid for one year and renews on payment, with periodic reassessment to confirm standards Tourism Grading
4. Consider support the National Grading System framework and SA Tourism communications outline discount mechanisms and funding windows that have accompanied the 2019 criteria changes, check the latest terms when you apply Government of South Africa+1

What a three star grade does for your property

• Trust and visibility You join the only nationally recognised quality assurance scheme, which signals a reliable standard to travellers and trade partners, and is recognised globally as an official, independent assessment Tourism Grading
• Market fit Three star aligns well with domestic families, inbound group series and cost conscious corporates who want very good quality without premium pricing Wild Wings Safaris
• Operational focus The criteria give your team a shared roadmap for safety, cleanliness, maintenance and guest information, which reduces complaints and improves reviews over time Tourism Grading

Readiness checklist for three star

Use this as a final walk through before you book your assessment.

• Emergency information and evacuation signage displayed in every room, backup lighting available, guestroom doors lock securely from inside and outside Tourism Grading
• Bedside surface and reading light per sleeping position, desk or table with direct task lighting, adequate power points and an international plug solution where feasible Tourism Grading
• Bathrooms with proper enclosure, mirror at or near the basin, fit for purpose towel rails and hooks, amenity set aligned to the level Tourism Grading
• Public areas furnished and signed, acceptable lighting on stairs and landings, temperature control and ventilation are appropriate to the building and climate Tourism Grading
• Daily servicing scheduled and recorded, reservations and invoices accurate, Wi Fi available in public areas where signal exists, with access to power for guests Tourism Grading

Contact and useful links

• Apply or check criteria TGCSA grading criteria page, and the TGCSA Grading Criteria Booklet implemented 1 April 2019 Tourism Grading+1
• Questions for TGCSA TGCSA online application portal, “one year membership” terms and contact details are visible on the portal and website tqit.southafrica.net+1

Frequently asked questions

How long is a three star grading valid

One year, renewed annually on payment, with assessments to confirm that standards remain in place. Tourism Grading

Can an establishment move from two star to three star at reassessment

Yes. If you meet the three star criteria for your category when the assessor revisits, your award can be adjusted accordingly. Use the TGCSA matrices to plan upgrades. Tourism Grading

Do hotels need to offer a beverage service at three star

Yes, a beverage service is expected in public areas with hours that match your stated offer and market. Tourism Grading

Is Wi Fi required

TGCSA expects access to power and Wi Fi in public areas where signal is available. Exemptions apply only where there is no service. Tourism Grading

Where do I find the exact checklist for my category

Download the official TGCSA Grading Criteria Booklet and use the section for your category. It is the definitive source for what the assessor checks at three star. Tourism Grading