Travel & Tourism – BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate
The 30-credit BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the appropriate vocational sector. This Certificate offers flexibility and a choice of emphasis through the optional units. It is broadly equivalent to two GCSEs.
It offers an engaging programme for those who are clear about the area of employment that they wish to enter. These learners may wish to extend their programme through the study of a related GCSE, a complementary NVQ or another qualification. These learning programmes can be developed to allow learners to study complementary qualifications without duplication of content.
For adult learners the BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate can extend their experience of work in a particular sector. It is a suitable qualification for those wishing to change career or move into a particular area of employment following a career break.
This Extended Certificate replaces the Edexcel Level 2 BTEC First Certificate.
Entry Requirements
Four GCSEs grade D or above or an Introductory Leisure & Tourism qualification. Students without formal qualifications may apply through diagnostic assessment.
Course Content
Unit 1 - The UK Travel and Tourism Sector
Travel and tourism has become an important part of how we live today. Most people travel regularly for work and leisure, and the world of travel and tourism is of interest to the majority of people in the UK.
This interest has been stimulated through the media and in particular the many travel and tourism-related television programmes screened over the last few years. There has been rapid growth across all component industries of the sector and a rise in passenger and visitor numbers and those working within the industries. It is now one of the largest sectors in the world in terms of employment and income generation. It is a dynamic and vibrant sector to work in where the 'work hard, play hard' ethos still exists. This unit concentrates on the main types of tourism, the motivating factors for travel and the contribution that travel and tourism makes to the UK economy.
Learners will appreciate the wide range of organisations operating within the sector and learn about their roles and interrelationships. The unit will help learners to develop an understanding of the important role that UK travel and tourism organisations play within this dynamic global group of industries.
Unit 2 – Understanding Customer Service in Travel & Tourism
The travel and tourism sector is about people who are travelling and on holiday. They all have wants, needs and expectations about the products and services they are using and have purchased. All organisations need to be successful and to be so in the travel and tourism sector they need to ensure that the products and services that their customers receive meet their needs, are what they expect, give full satisfaction and at times exceed expectations.
There are many similarities in the products and services offered by organisations within the sector, for example tour operators and travel agents, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate by product or price. This unit enables learners to understand how customer service can be the differentiating factor that will attract new customers and ensure customer loyalty.
Unit 3 – Understanding the Nature & Effects of World Travel
Working in the travel and tourism sector requires employees to have a well-developed sense of ‘the world’. In this unit learners will develop their knowledge of the world to enable them to recognise and locate continents, natural features and global aspects including the equator, tropics and poles. They will also develop their ability to use resources effectively to identify and locate countries, their capital cities, resorts and major gateways.
Learners will learn about world climatic conditions that affect travel to worldwide destinations. They will develop an awareness of varying climatic conditions in different parts of the world. They will learn about the differences between the southern and northern hemispheres in relation to winter and summer travel and night and day. Learners will also develop knowledge of monsoons, dry and wet seasons and hurricane seasons that influence the timing of travel and holidays. They will develop further knowledge of areas of the world where yearly snowfall results in the availability of winter-sports holidays.
This knowledge will enable learners to appreciate the world with regard to location of places and the timing of travel to meet the needs
of a variety of customers. This will establish a good foundation that can be developed in other units to enable
learners to provide customers with appropriate travel and holiday information.
Unit 4 – Development of the UK Travel & Tourism Sector
This unit explores the recent historical events and developments that have shaped the UK travel and tourism sector, as well as lifestyle changes and trends which have led to its progression. The travel and tourism sector is susceptible to external influences and a downturn in business can easily happen, often outside the control of the organisations involved. Learners will explore a range of issues that have impacted on the industry in recent times and they will select and discuss two issues that are currently impacting on the sector. Learners will explore and investigate how these are effecting organisations and how the organisations are facing up to the challenges presented to them.
It is essential that learners have a good knowledge and understanding of the developments, trends and events that move this sector forward and that their knowledge is current. Learners should be encouraged to take an interest in current events that affect the sector.
Unit 5 – Developing Customer Service Skills in Travel & Tourism
Customer service skills and techniques are imperative across the entire travel and tourism sector. The delivery of good customer service results in customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Often it is effective delivery of customer service that will exceed customer expectations and lead to repeat business. The techniques required to work within the travel and tourism sector are explored in this unit, and the skills required to deliver customer service effectively are developed.
The importance of first impressions and effective communication skills are covered in detail as well as presenting information and selling appropriate products and services to enhance the overall customer experience.
Learners will be able to develop and demonstrate the skills that they have learned in situations with customers in real or simulated situations. They will deal with different customer dispositions in different situations.
Unit 6 – UK Tourism Destinations
Having an understanding of what the UK has to offer domestic and inbound tourists is an excellent starting point for anyone planning to work in the travel and tourism sector. Travel agents, tour operators and tourist boards play their part in promoting UK travel and tourism destinations, while visitor attractions, hospitality and transport providers develop the services and facilities that contribute to their appeal. Meeting the needs of the customer is fundamental to travel and tourism provision in the UK. Learners will investigate how destinations provide for the needs of different types of visitor.
They will find that UK travel and tourism destinations offer great variety, from cosmopolitan capitals and traditional seaside resorts to historical cities and relaxing countryside areas. They will examine how transport, natural features, attractions and facilities combine to create the overall appeal of a destination. Learners will be introduced to reference materials and different sources of information to enable them to locate key tourist destinations and transport gateways, and to determine the appeal of selected UK destinations. They will develop knowledge of significant travel and tourism destinations, their locations, and gateways that serve them.
Method of Assessment
A variety of assessment methods are used including building a portfolio of evidence from practical activities carried out, individual and group presentations, case studies, assignments, observation of work-based activities and work-based assignments