Grading fee lowered for smaller establishments

THE Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) has announced a once off 20% discount on the assessment fee for all one-to-three room accommodation establishments that have not yet been graded. It says establishments need to take advantage of the offer by applying for grading by March 31, 2003. Says TGCSA's executive director, Salifou Siddo: "The decision to discount the grading fee for this segment of the accommodation sector was taken following market research which has indicated that price is the main barrier that has prevented some of the smaller establishments from joining the national grading scheme. By discounting the fee, we are making star grading more accessible to as may operators as possible." The fee has decreased from R 1 100 to R880. (Miguel de Sousa)