One of eleven South African members of The Leading Hotels of the World, Taj Cape Town, a 176-room heritage property, was required to score equally in a four-point selection criteria based on Guest Focus, Product and Service Standards, Hygiene and Customer Feedback System. Only those hotels that had made at least three process improvements over the past year, and scored above 70% on the selection criteria, were able to enter.
"Key to the Taj Cape Town winning this award has been empowering my housekeeping team by giving them a very clear sense of their roles and responsibilities, communicating with them regularly, and ensuring that they are constantly kept abreast with what's happening both in and outside the hotel. I also encourage regular feedback on new procedures before they are implemented, ensuring that I have the support of my entire team," says Michelle Sihlali, executive housekeeper for the 123-year-old luxury property.
Commenting on the award, Taj Cape Town GM, Michael Pownall says, "I am delighted that my diligent team, who often are quietly working behind the scenes, have been recognised for the hard work and dedication that they apply on a daily basis. The true spirit of hospitality emanates from a genuinely caring team of professionals. Congratulations!"
