The semi-finalists in the 2011 AA Travel Guides American Express Accommodation Awards programme have been announced.
Now in its 18th year, the awards programme gives consumers an established mechanism to voice their opinion about the quality of tourist accommodation in South Africa.
More than 41 000 consumers commented on approximately 1 100 AA Quality Assured or star-graded establishments across the country, either electronically or through completing guest critique forms.
A total of 226 semi-finalists in 36 categories were announced, including guest houses, bed and breakfasts, self-catering apartments, game lodges and different types of hotels. Guests commented on aspects such as service levels, the quality of facilities, cleanliness, ambience and food.
Convenor, Vanessa Sand, says all information received from guests, whether positive or negative is sent back to participating establishments. “This assists owners or managers to improve certain aspects of their operations or to maintain existing high standards. The awards programme is therefore a very effective tool to respond to the needs of consumers and gives establishments a definite marketing edge.”
A list of the semi-finalists is available on www.accommodationawards.co.za. Finalists will be announced later this month while the winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony at the tourism Indaba in Durban on May 8.
