Travel and Tourism
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine]
Introduction
The Travel and Tourism department equips students with knowledge and skills relevant to one of the world’s fastest‑growing and most dynamic industries. Through practical and engaging lessons, students learn how travel and tourism organisations operate, what influences global travel, and how to meet the needs and preferences of different travellers. The course aims to nurture independent, reflective learners who understand both the business and human aspects of tourism — from planning holidays and understanding destinations, to considering global sustainability and customer needs.
Curriculum Intent
The Travel and Tourism curriculum is designed to help students develop sector‑specific knowledge and transferable skills within real-world contexts. Students gain an understanding of travel and tourism organisations, destination types, customer needs, market research, and global factors affecting tourism. Alongside this, they build skills such as planning, research, communication, decision‑making, data interpretation, and project management. This approach supports both academic progression and future career paths in tourism, hospitality, business, or related fields.
Subject at KS4 – Overview
At Key Stage 4, students study the BTEC Tech Award in Travel and Tourism. The course is structured around three key components:
Component 1 – Travel and Tourism Organisations and Destinations
Understanding the roles of different travel and tourism organisations, the types of tourism, and the features of key destinations.
Component 2 – Customer Needs in Travel and Tourism
Exploring how organisations identify and meet customer needs through market research and by tailoring products and services.
Component 3 – Influences on Global Travel and Tourism
Examining global factors affecting tourism, including environmental, economic, political, and social influences, as well as the impacts and sustainability of tourism.
Assessment includes internally assessed coursework for components 1 and 2 and an external exam for component 3, providing a balanced and practical approach to learning.
GCSE Exam Information
Assessments and qualifications are provided by Pearson BTEC.
The full specification for the course can be accessed here:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/travel-and-tourism-2022.html
Studying Travel and Tourism Post‑16
Studying Travel and Tourism opens up a wide range of post‑16 pathways, including Level 3 BTEC courses in Travel and Tourism or Business, A‑Levels in subjects such as Geography or Business Studies, or apprenticeships within the travel, tourism, or hospitality sectors. These routes can lead to careers in areas such as tourism management, hospitality, aviation, travel consultancy, events management, marketing, and customer service, as well as progression to higher education courses in tourism, business, or related fields.