BTEC Travel And Tourism

Course objectives

Through studying BTEC Travel and Tourism students will:

  • Gain a broad knowledge and understanding of, and develop skills in, the travel and tourism sector.
  • develop an understanding of the importance of tourism to the UK and world economy.
  • develop an appreciation of the nature and effects of travel and tourism.
  • develop as enterprising individuals with the ability to think commercially and creatively.
  • develop problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • develop as effective and independent students, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds.

Unit information

Component 1 - Travel and tourism organisations and destinations

Students will investigate travel and tourism organisations in the UK. They will explore the role of different consumer technologies within the travel and tourism industry, the different types of tourism and will investigate the features of, and routes to popular tourist destinations. This component is assessed by a coursework assignment. (30%)

Component 2 - Customer needs in travel and tourism

Students will investigate how organisations use market research to identify travel and tourism trends and identify customer needs and preferences. This component is assessed by a coursework assignment. (30%)

Component 3 - Influences on global travel and tourism

Students will explore the different factors that may influence global travel and tourism, and how travel and tourism organisations and destinations respond to these factors. This component is assessed by an external examination. (40%)

Why study

Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the UK economy in employment terms. By 2025, Britain will have a tourism industry worth over £257 billion and it is estimated that over 10% of the population will be employed in the travel sector; representing 3.8 million jobs.

This course will give students the opportunity to develop sector-specific applied knowledge and technical skills. They will develop key transferable skills through vocational contexts, by exploring products and services offered by different travel and tourism organisations, the features of popular tourist destinations, how organisations use market research and trends to identify and meet customer needs requirements, and the factors that influence global travel and tourism.

The qualification enables students to develop their transferable skills, such as researching, planning, and making decisions and judgements. This Tech Award complements the learning in GCSE programmes such as GCSE Geography and GCSE Business by broadening students' experience and skills participation in different contexts, with opportunities for them to practically apply knowledge and skills.

Following successful completion of this qualification, students can progress onto A Levels, or to a vocational qualification at Level 3, such as a BTEC National in Travel & Tourism.

Careers options

Cabin crew, travel agent, hospitality, event management, travel journalism, holiday representative, tour guide, travel information services, business ownership, entrepreneur, sales, human resources.

Key contact

Mrs E McDermott