The finalists in the traditional accommodation categories in the 2008 AA Travel Guides American Express Accommodation Awards programme have been announced.

 Now in its fifteenth year, this awards programme is the only established mechanism that consumers can use to make their opinion of the quality of tourist accommodation in South Africa count. 

 The traditional categories in the programme are Cultural Experience, Suburban Cultural Experience, Township Accommodation – Modern and Township Accommodation – Original.

 A total of 26 finalists in these categories were announced (list attached). Guests commented on aspects such as service levels, the quality of facilities, cleanliness, décor and food.

 Convenor Vanessa Sand says all comments received are sent back to the participating establishments. “This is hugely valuable information, all of which is sent back to establishments so that they can see where they are successful and where there may be room for improvement. This is particularly important, especially since small accommodation establishments have also been contracted as official suppliers for the 2010 Soccer World Cup tournament.

 “We believe the awards programme is a contributing factor to empowerment and transformation in the sector, contributing directly to the creation of much needed jobs and skills transfer.

 “Also, the awards programme is an incentive to accommodation establishments to improve standards. Being an achiever in this programme results in huge exposure, which leads to increased business. There is a definite marketing advantage.”

 Finalists and winners in the programme receive widespread publicity and appear in the annual South Africa’s Best publication, which is distributed at local and international travel exhibitions and at AA Travel Experience Stores.

 The winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony at the annual tourism Indaba on 11 May 2008.