Fundamentals Of Travel And Tourism

fundamentals of travel and tourism

 

main aims of the unit

This unit identifies all the key sectors of the tourism industry and explains the importance of integrating all the key elements in order to provide an attractive tourism product. The unit also explains the influences on tourism demand and highlights the nature and role of different tourism destinations.

learning outcomes for the unit

Upon successful completion of the course students will be able to:

• Explain the importance of tourism to specific national markets
• Identify the factors that can influence the demand for tourism products and services
• Comment on the influences on tourist buying behaviour
• Discuss the different type of tourism destinations
• Describe the nature and purpose of different tourism sectors
• Analyse the importance of transport systems to the tourist product
• Comment on the influence of information technology on the development of tourism

Learning and teaching methods/strategies used to enable the achievement of learning outcomes:

Learning takes place on a number of levels through lectures, class discussion including problem review and analysis. Formal lectures provide a foundation of information on which the student builds through directed learning and self managed learning outside of the class. The students are actively encouraged to form study groups to discuss course material which fosters a greater depth learning experience.

 

entry requirements

• Three GCSE’s / GCE`O’ levels and one `A’ level or equivalent qualification, or,
• An approved Foundation Certificate.
• An approved training or vocational certificate in the area of hotel, catering and/or tourism

Relevant experience is taken into consideration for students 21 years of age and over who have not completed any formal qualifications.

 

main topics of study

introduction to tourism and tourism demand

 

• Defining tourism
• Tourism as a concept
• Individual tourism demand
• Market tourism demand
• Forecasting tourism demand
• Forecasting methods
  
  

tourism consumer behaviour

• Individual decision making process
• Fundamentals of consumer behaviour and tourism
• Roles in the decision making process
• Consumer behaviour in tourism
• Buying decision process in tourism
  
  

tourism destinations

• Nature and role of destinations
• Destination trends
• Economic impact of tourism spending
• Environmental impact of tourism
• Socio-cultural impact of tourism
• Tourism crises and disasters
• Tourism and terrorism
  
  

tourism sectors

• Nature and purpose of attractions
• Managing attractions
• Accommodation and the tourism product
• IT and the accommodation sector
• Events management
• Nature and role of intermediaries
• Role of retail agent and tour operator
• Transport as a component of the tourism product
• Components of transportation system
• Political influences on transport for tourism
• Tourism as a service product
• Adoption of marketing orientation
• E-tourism and the tourism industry sectors
  
  

indicative reading for this unit

main text

Tourism: Principles and Practice -Prof. J. Fletcher, A. Fyall, D. Gilbert, S. Wanhill (Pearson)

alternative text and further reading

Tourism: Principles and Practices S. K. Swain, J. M. Mishra (Oxford Higher Education)

 

lectures / seminars / tutorials / workshops

(10 HOURS PER CREDIT)

 

50 hours - lectures / seminars / tutorials / workshops:

Tutorial support includes feedback on assignments and may vary by college according to local needs and wishes.

50 hours - directed learning:

Advance reading and preparation / Class preparation / Background reading / Group study / Portfolio / Diary etc

100 hours - self managed learning:

Working through the course text and completing assignments as required will take up the bulk of the learning time. In addition students are expected to engage with the tutor and other students and to undertake further reading using the web and/or libraries.

 

assessment methods

Final Examination: 70%

Coursework: 30%