Common “vocab” for tourism

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), through its Technical Committee, SABS TC 228, TourismStandards, has recently published a new national standard (SANS:18513) detailing vocabulary for hotels and other types of tourism accommodation.

According to the Department of Tourism, 3.7% of the South African GDP comes from tourism, with the growing sector employing over one million people. In 2019, before the pandemic, meanwhile, the global tourism industry was estimated at US$ 8.9 trillion.

SANS 18513 has been adopted from the International Organization for Standardization and provides the definitions to create a common understanding of the various accommodation types and facilities.

“The tourism sector evolves on a regular basis as new experiences and types of facilities emerge, and it is important that there is a globally accepted and used common vocabulary. A common set of terms – especially identifying types of accommodation and the facilities – will improve the tourist experience. Consumers can adequately find the right accommodation to meet their needs and service providers can correctly advertise their offerings,” explains Sadhvir Bissoon, acting CEO of the SABS.

The national standard includes definitions for half board, suites, junior suites, early check in, mini-bar service, accessible rooms, air conditioning, gyms, and a range of other amenities typically found in the tourism sector. SANS 18513 can be purchased from the SABS webstore, via www.sabs.co.za.