Eswatini (Swaziland) Tourism Authority (STA) has launched an accommodation star grading programme in a move to improve delivery through the implementation of standards.

STA Acting CEO, Gcinithemba Fakudze said: “Following an intensive exercise that involved setting up guidelines, and subsequent education and consultations with the industry, we are very excited to announce that applications for grading started on August 1.” Accommodation will be graded in their respective categories – hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, self-catering and campsites.

Sipho Simelane, STA Product Development Officer explained the grading procedure, adding that all registered hospitality accommodation facilities were expected to apply. Thereafter, assessors will make appointments at the establishments to view the facilities and produce a report after the assessment. The report will then be forwarded to the grading committee. The grading committee will then review the report and approve or write up queries.

Simelane encouraged honesty from the establishments to ensure a credible outcome. Establishments will be given the opportunity to appeal the grading prior to being issued with the final grading.

Grading will range from one to five stars and will be done annually, allowing establishments to improve upon their grading from the previous year. Additionally, if an establishment’s grade is lowered, they will be given a three-month grace period to rectify the problems identified in order to maintain their original grade.

Marc Ward, President of the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Eswatini, welcomed the move, saying the exercise would ensure that standards were maintained or improved. Furthermore, he encouraged facilities to apply for grading, explaining that graded facilities assured guests of the kind of service they could expect from the establishment.

To view the grading guidelines, click here.