Entries for the 2009 AA Travel Guides American Express Accommodation Awards programme are streaming in.  

“In the sixteen years of these awards, we have never seen so much interest so soon after entries opened,” says convenor Vanessa Sand. “This shows that there is a lot of competition in the hospitality industry and a need to be recognised as the best.”

The awards, which are based on consumer opinion, are well known in South Africa and are often used by guests as a benchmark when deciding where to stay.

They are open to any type of accommodation establishment that is AA Quality Assured or star graded, including different types of hotels, resorts, game lodges, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts and township accommodation.

Sand says establishments enter the awards voluntarily, where after guests have the opportunity to comment on aspects such as service levels, facilities, friendliness and ambience. 

“The fact that both the Southern Sun and City Lodge groups support this programme is indicative of the esteem in which the programme is held.”

In the 2008 awards more than 35 000 consumers commented on approximately 1 200 establishments across the country.

Sand says entering the programme holds real, tangible benefits for accommodation establishments. “In addition to receiving a thorough summary of all consumer comments received, whether positive or negative, finalists and winners receive widespread exposure which gives them a definite marketing edge.”

Participating establishments receive questionnaires from AA Travel Guides for their guests to complete. The forms are returned and processed independently, after which potential semi-finalists and finalists are visited by experienced assessors. Consumers can also give their feedback online on www.aatravel.co.za.

Sand says now is the ideal time to enter the awards since it provides six months for consumer feedback to be gathered. Feedback about establishments will be accepted until 31 January 2009 and the winners will receive their awards at an awards ceremony in Durban on 10 May 2009.

Achievers receive wide exposure in the annual South Africa’s Best publication, which is distributed at local and international tourism exhibitions and at AA Travel Experience Stores.

The awards programme is supported by American Express Cards, Hertz, Sealy, BnB Sure and the Industrial Development Corporation.

Establishments that wish to enter or obtain more information can contact Vanessa Weltman at AA Travel Guides on tel (011) 713 2000 or vweltman@aatravel.co.za, or visit www.aatravel.co.za.