Travel and Tourism
This exciting course consists of four units of study and is equivalent to one A Level. It is an ideal progression from BTEC Tech Travel and Tourism Level 2, but is also suitable for students who have not previously studied travel and tourism.
It is perfect for anyone with a passion for the industry or who is considering a future career in this ever-growing sector.
Year 12
In Year 12, students build a strong foundation in how the travel and tourism industry works and how organisations attract and serve customers.
Unit 1: The World of Travel and Tourism
This unit provides the foundation for the rest of the course. Learners explore the key components and scale of the industry, using data to analyse important trends and their impact.
Assessment: Written examination.
Unit 3: Principles of Marketing
Learners investigate the role of marketing in travel and tourism organisations, including how businesses meet customer expectations.
Students then apply their understanding to design their own promotional campaign.
Assessment: Written assignment.
Year 13
In Year 13, students focus on global destinations and visitor attractions, developing stronger analytical and research skills.
Unit 2: Global Destinations
Learners investigate the features and appeal of global destinations, travel planning and the factors affecting the changing popularity of destinations.
Assessment: Supervised assessment. Students receive information two weeks before the supervised assessment period to carry out research.
Unit 9: Visitor Attractions
Learners investigate the nature and role of built and natural visitor attractions, including their commercial success, visitor appeal and response to diverse visitor needs.
Students also explore the importance of providing a memorable visitor experience and investigate one visitor attraction in detail.
Assessment Components
Externally Assessed Units
Internally Assessed Units
Units 1 and 2 are externally assessed through an examination and supervised assessment. Units 3 and 9 are coursework-based, internally assessed by staff and moderated accordingly.
Opportunities
This course prepares students who wish to study Travel and Tourism Management at university and provides a strong route into the many sectors of the travel and tourism industry.
Students can progress into careers and pathways involving travel agents, tour operators, visitor attractions, accommodation providers and transport operators.
There are also opportunities to take part in educational visits and hear from guest speakers.
Recent visits have included Beamish Museum, Wynyard Hall and Teesside University, where students participated in a dark tourism workshop.
Entrance Requirements
Essential 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4, with no specific subject requirements.
Travel and Tourism (Level 3 – 1 A-Level Equivalent)
This exciting course consists of four units and is equivalent to one A Level. It is an ideal progression from BTEC Tech Travel and Tourism Level 2, but is also suitable for students who have not previously studied the subject. It provides an excellent introduction to the travel and tourism industry.
Year 12
Unit 1: The World of Travel and Tourism. Students explore the key components and scale of the travel and tourism industry, using data to analyse trends and their impact. Assessed by written examination.
Unit 3: Principles of Marketing. Students investigate marketing in travel and tourism organisations, customer expectations and promotional strategies. They design their own promotional campaign. Assessed through a written assignment.
Year 13
Unit 2: Global Destinations. Students investigate global destinations, travel planning and factors influencing destination popularity. Assessed under supervised conditions, with research information provided two weeks beforehand.
Unit 9: Visitor Attractions. Students investigate built and natural visitor attractions, commercial success, visitor appeal and the importance of memorable visitor experiences. They study one attraction in detail.
Assessment Components
Externally assessed: Unit 1 – written examination; Unit 2 – supervised assessment.
Internally assessed: Unit 3 – written marketing assignment; Unit 9 – visitor attraction investigation. Both are coursework-based and moderated.
Opportunities
Students can progress to university to study Travel and Tourism Management or pursue careers in travel agencies, tour operations, visitor attractions, accommodation and transport.
The course also offers educational visits and guest speakers. Recent visits have included Beamish Museum, Wynyard Hall and Teesside University for a dark tourism workshop.
Entrance Requirements
Essential: 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4, with no specific subject requirements.