Travel and Tourism (Discovery Academy Only)

Exam Board:

Pearson

What will I study on the course:

You will gain a practical introduction to the dynamic travel and tourism industry, exploring how it operates, its importance to the economy, and real-world applications. Key components include:

• Component 1: Travel and Tourism Organisations and Destinations – Investigating different types of travel and tourism organisations (e.g., transport providers, accommodation, visitor attractions), their aims and how they work together; exploring UK and global destinations, factors influencing visitor choice, and the role of destinations in tourism.
• Component 2: Influences on Global Travel and Tourism – Examining external factors affecting the industry (e.g., technology, sustainability, economic, political, environmental influences); the impacts of tourism on destinations (positive and negative); and how destinations manage sustainable tourism development.
• Component 3: The Travel and Tourism Customer Experience – Focusing on customer needs and preferences, how organisations meet them, and planning itineraries or experiences; developing skills in customer service, communication, and creating promotional materials. The course combines theory with practical elements (e.g., case studies, planning tasks, presentations), developing skills like research, teamwork, digital literacy, and understanding sustainability in a growing global industry.

How is the course assessed:

A mix of internal and external assessment (graded Pass, Merit, Distinction, Distinction* at Level 2, or Level 1 equivalents; no traditional GCSE tiers):

• Component 1: Travel and Tourism Organisations and Destinations – Internally assessed (Pearson-set assignment/coursework), 30% – Portfolio-based, exploring organisations and destinations.
• Component 2: Influences on Global Travel and Tourism – Internally assessed (Pearson-set assignment/coursework), 30% – Tasks on impacts, influences, and sustainability.
• Component 3: The Travel and Tourism Customer Experience – Externally assessed (synoptic exam or supervised task, typically 2 hours), 40% – Applying knowledge to customer-focused scenarios, planning, and customer service. Total guided learning hours: 120. The qualification is linear, with internal components involving written work, presentations, or practical outputs.

Post-16 courses:

Level 3 BTEC National in Travel and Tourism (equivalent to A Levels), T Levels in Management and Administration or Tourism/Hospitality, apprenticeships (e.g., travel consultant, events coordinator), or A Levels in Business, Geography, or related subjects. A good grade supports entry to college/sixth form for tourism, hospitality, or business pathways.

Careers:

Travel agent/consultant, tour operator, cabin crew/airline staff, hotel/hospitality manager, events planner, tourist information officer, marketing in tourism, cruise staff, eco-tourism specialist, destination manager, or roles in transport, attractions, and leisure. The UK travel and tourism sector is vast (contributing billions to the economy), offering diverse opportunities in customer service, management, and international work.

Specific advantages:

This vocational course is practical and engaging, with real-world focus on planning trips, customer service, and industry trends – ideal for students who enjoy people, places, and creativity rather than purely academic study. It develops employable skills early (e.g., communication, research, sustainability awareness), suits those interested in global issues or hospitality, and provides a clear industry pathway. At Discovery Academy, as part of vocational options, it offers hands-on learning in a supportive environment, building confidence and relevance for future careers.

How useful it is in the real world: