The Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Conference 2026 will feature Bronwen Auret, Chief Quality Assurance Officer at South African Tourism, as a key speaker focusing on tourism standards, credibility, and global competitiveness.
Her address will place strong emphasis on the role of the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) in shaping and safeguarding South Africa’s tourism quality framework — particularly within coastal and marine destinations.
The Foundation of Tourism Quality in South Africa
The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa was established in 2000 through the dedication and leadership of former Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Valli Moosa. Since its inception, the TGCSA has operated as a business unit of South African Tourism and remains the only officially recognised and globally credible quality assurance body for tourism products in South Africa.
For over two decades, the TGCSA has been responsible for maintaining a globally benchmarked system that travellers can trust when choosing accommodation and venues.
Its guiding motto is clear:
“To establish a recognisable and credible globally benchmarked system of quality assurance for accommodation and venue experiences, which can be fully relied upon by visitors when choosing an establishment.”
The Power of the TGCSA Star Grading System
Across South Africa, travellers can easily identify quality-assured establishments by spotting the TGCSA’s iconic Graded Star insignia, proudly reflecting the colours of the national flag.
Thousands of establishments have earned TGCSA stars and consistently maintain high standards to retain them. The grading system covers seven primary categories:
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Formal Accommodation (Hotels, Apartment Hotels, Boutique Hotels, Small Hotels)
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Guest Accommodation (Bed & Breakfasts, Guest Houses, Country Houses)
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Self-Catering Accommodation (Exclusive or Shared)
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Game Lodges
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Nature Lodges
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Backpackers & Hostels
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Caravan & Camping Sites and Venues
Each establishment is assessed by an accredited TGCSA assessor and, upon meeting required standards, receives official certification and star grading.
Simply put:
If it bears the TGCSA star plaque and certificate, visitors can expect quality, service excellence, and value for money.
Strengthening Coastal and Marine Tourism Standards
As Africa expands its focus on coastal and marine tourism under the Blue Economy framework, maintaining consistent quality standards becomes increasingly critical.
Bronwen Auret’s participation at the Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Conference 2026 — hosted at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium — reinforces the importance of credibility, trust, and service excellence in positioning South Africa as a globally competitive coastal destination.
Her address is expected to highlight:
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The importance of standardisation in growing marine tourism markets
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How star grading enhances international visitor confidence
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The role of quality assurance in destination sustainability
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Why industry-wide participation in grading benefits South Africa as a whole
Driving Excellence for the Future of Tourism
The TGCSA’s work goes beyond star allocation — it supports a national commitment to quality assurance, customer satisfaction, and sustainable tourism growth.
As the Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Conference 2026 brings together policymakers, investors, hospitality leaders, and tourism entrepreneurs, the focus on quality assurance will remain central to discussions about Africa’s future coastal tourism competitiveness.
With leaders like Bronwen Auret championing globally recognised standards, South Africa continues to demonstrate that quality is not optional — it is foundational.
If you want to register as an Exhibitor please click here, for more information or to register as delegate visit https://marinetourism.co.za
