Question NW315 to the Minister of Tourism

Reply:

1. (a) Number of persons employed by Tourism Grading Council of South Africa

1 January 2015	1 January 2016	1 January 2017	1 January 2018	1 January 2019
38	45	40	40	59

(b) Where did each person conduct gradings

The Assessors are located throughout the country and can conduct gradings within each province they can assess and have been allocated to.

(c) What qualifications are required in order to perform on –site gradings?

Comprehensive training is provided by the TGCSA to shortlisted candidates in order to assess tourism products effectively. All learners need to achieve an 80% pass mark in order to be accredited as Grading assessors. Furthermore, the successful candidate needs to possess the following:

• A post-Matric qualification in Tourism and/or Quality Management;

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the hospitality industry is strictly necessary with proven and demonstrable knowledge of domestic or international quality standards in accommodation and tourism products;
• Previous quality grading experience in tourism and accommodation products would be an advantage;
• Sales and / or marketing experience;
• Tourist/guest experience in tourism products;
• Previously Disadvantaged individuals will be given preference;
• Excellent computer literacy; and
• Proven ability to operate independently for extended periods, without close supervision.

2. Whether each of the specified persons possessed the necessary qualifications to conduct on-site gradings:

All candidates possessed the necessary qualifications.

(a) Not applicable

(b) Not applicable