Winners of AA Quality Assured Accomodation Awards announced

The national winners of the 2012 AA Quality Assured Accommodation Awards programme have been announced.

Only AA Quality Assured members are eligible to participate in this programme, which is the only established mechanism for consumers to voice their opinion about the quality of tourist accommodation in Southern Africa.

This year, more than 61 000 consumers commented on approximately 800 establishments, either online, via eGuestSurv reviews, or by completing AA guest review forms.

A total of 21 winners in varying 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.  

High-scoring establishments were examined carefully and were visited by qualified and experienced assessors to verify that the scores were justified.

Vanessa Sand of Essential Travel Info, which organised the event, said all information received from guests, whether positive or negative was 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, particularly when times are tough in the industry.”

Names of establishments that entered the programme’s prestigious Hall of Fame were also announced during the event.

“Establishments receive this honour after having been winners in a specific category of accommodation for three consecutive years.  They remain in the Hall of Fame for two years, after which they can choose to re-enter the programme and compete openly, or merely be reassessed to keep their status,” said Sand.

Click here to view a list of the national winners as well as institutions that entered the Hall of Fame.