Strides were made towards bolstering rural tourism and fostering economic inclusivity when 150 properties from villages, small towns and dorpies (VTSDs) received certificates of compliance and recognition for completing the Basic Quality Verification (BQV) programme.
The awards ceremony took place during three-day Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban this week.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Amos ‘Fish’ Mahlalela, underscored the programme’s role in strengthening the foundation of the tourism sector. “It is on this strong foundation that we can progress our sector because with assurance, the tourism industry will continue to create opportunities for economic growth, particularly for youth, women and people with disabilities.”
Mahlalela commended the programme for its empowerment initiatives, noting its role in training and employing graduates to conduct verifications in various establishments. He highlighted the pivotal role played by the verified establishments at the heart of their communities, generating business opportunities and fostering a conducive environment for local development.
“It is imperative that we sustain and expand this programme to ensure inclusivity in our tourism offerings, thereby contributing to the growth of the economy,” he said.
The BVQ programme – operated by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, a business unit of South African Tourism – supports homestays and emerging tourism ventures in small communities to grow.
The programme guides these establishments through a structured development process, enabling them to engage with the tourism market and access funding, even if they do not meet the core requirements of grading. Essentially, it's about helping smaller, less formal accommodations and attractions to become part of the tourism industry and thrive.
Successful KZN implementation
Bronwen Auret, Chief Quality Assurance Officer for South African Tourism, shed light on the programme’s successful implementation in KwaZulu Natal over the past year.
“The programme introduces tourism accommodation providers to standards and norms of quality assurance, serving as a crucial entry point into the realm of formalised tourism practices.”
Out of 210 participants, 150 have now attained certification in Basic Quality Verification.
For Luyanda Khoza, owner of Vikamana Guest House, receiving the BQV certification was a moment of immense pride. “This recognition not only validates our establishment, but also opens doors for further growth and collaboration.”
Similarly, Lungile Hlabisa, proprietor of Mbopha Guest House in Ulundi, expressed gratitude for the recognition of their work in rural areas. “This certification reaffirms the significance of our contributions to rural tourism and motivates us to continue our endeavours,” she said.
The BVQ programme was piloted in the Eastern Cape between 2020 and 2021 and was rolled out in KZN between 2022 and 2023.
