This Tourism Week 26 March 2010 (Follow-up To Yesterday’s Mail)

TGCSA Changes Deadline Date

Regarding yesterday’s mail (“Is the Tourism Grading Council Nuts”):  it was interesting to read an article posted today by the good people at Tourism Update:

“Comment on new grading criteria by April 9 – TGCSA

“The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) is giving industry a further week to comment on the new grading criteria (see its website: www.tourismgrading.co.za).

“The deadline for submissions on the new grading criteria for hospitality establishments in South Africa is [now] April 9. The new criteria is expected to be implemented in October 2010.”

So: you have some reading to do this Easter. Go to the TGCSA’s web site, and download these proposals, and get commenting. It’s very important (although, sadly, many people contacted me after reading yesterday’s article, and said that the costs of grading, taken in hand with these new and onerous criteria, would force them to abandon the scheme altogether. And if they’re going to give up their stars, they say, why should they waste their time reading their criteria? Market forces, you see, market forces…).

Please share your comments on the new criteria – and read other people’s comments – here, on This Tourism Week.

Buffalo Hills – An African Adventure on the Garden Route

Buffalo Hills is the place if you’re looking to offer your clients a great South African experience – with a proper braaivleis, guided walks and game drives, mountain biking and trail running facilities, and warm – I mean warm! – South African hospitality dished out in huge dollops by owners Tony and Maria Kinahan are

Oh – and at a price even families can afford (rates include D,B&B, the drive, the walk, and a tour and mampoer liqueur tasting at the Reserve’s own Nyati jjj Distillery. And – the Distillery aside – Buffalo Hills is very child-friendly).

Buffalo Hills also hosts small conferences, bush weddings, and functions.

Contact Tony – buffalohills@mweb.co.za – for rates, or visit www.buffalohills.co.za

Now go away on holiday – it’s in the economy’s best interests…