Exam Board and Course Code: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Travel and Tourism – 601/9023/1
Course Leader: Kyle Adams – kyleadams@kba.uk
Department Leader: Kyle Adams
WHAT WILL I NEED BEFORE TAKING THIS COURSE?
Students should demonstrate a genuine interest in Travel & Tourism. Achievement in English and Maths will support success on the course, and all applications will be considered on an individual basis.
WHAT WILL I DO?
The travel and tourism sector is dynamic, fast-paced and offers a world of global opportunities. In this engaging two-year course, you will explore the scale of the travel industry and the diverse products and services that keep it thriving.
You will discover what gives international destinations their unique appeal, evaluate the factors that influence global travel trends and learn how to plan comprehensive travel itineraries. Going beyond geography, you will explore the business side of the industry by developing your understanding of marketing and creating promotional campaigns for new products or services.
You will also investigate the exciting world of visitor attractions, from heritage sites to theme parks, analysing how they use technology, respond to competition and create memorable experiences for visitors.
Whether you aim to enter employment directly or progress to university, this course will help you develop the practical skills, geographical knowledge and business understanding needed to succeed.
COURSE CONTENT AND COMPONENTS
The course combines practical, applied learning with academic study. Across the two years, you will complete four units, including externally assessed examinations and supervised assessment, alongside internally assessed coursework.
Year 12: Foundations and Business Strategy
Unit 1: The World of Travel and Tourism
You will explore the scale and structure of the global travel and tourism industry, including different types of tourism and the organisations, products and services that support it. You will develop your understanding of industry trends, external influences and the factors shaping the future of travel.
This unit is assessed through an externally set and marked written examination lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Unit 9: Visitor Attractions
You will investigate a wide range of visitor attractions, from natural wonders and heritage sites to theme parks and other leisure destinations. You will explore how attractions operate, attract visitors and respond to changing expectations. You will also consider the use of technology, competition and the ways attractions measure and improve their success.
This unit is assessed through internally assessed coursework.
Year 13: Exploring the Globe and Managing Experiences
Unit 2: Global Destinations
You will investigate destinations around the world, exploring their geographical features, locations and unique appeal. You will develop your travel-planning skills by evaluating transport routes, providers and itineraries to meet different customer needs. You will also consider how consumer trends and external factors, including political developments and natural disasters, can influence a destination's popularity.
This unit is assessed through an externally set and marked task, completed in a supervised three-hour assessment session.
Unit 3: Principles of Marketing in Travel and Tourism
You will explore the role of marketing within the travel and tourism industry. You will investigate customer needs, purchasing decisions and market research, developing an understanding of how businesses attract and retain customers. You will apply your knowledge by creating and presenting a promotional campaign for a new travel and tourism product or service.
This unit is assessed through internally assessed coursework.
ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK
The qualification combines external and internal assessment:
- Unit 1 – The World of Travel and Tourism: externally assessed written examination (1 hour 30 minutes).
- Unit 2 – Global Destinations: externally assessed supervised task (3 hours).
- Unit 3 – Principles of Marketing in Travel and Tourism: internally assessed coursework.
- Unit 9 – Visitor Attractions: internally assessed coursework.
You will develop your research, analysis, communication, planning and presentation skills throughout the course. Regular feedback will help you understand your progress and improve the quality of your work.
PROGRESSION – WHAT CAN I DO AT THE END OF THE COURSE?
The travel and tourism industry offers a wide range of opportunities in the UK and internationally. Successful completion of the course can support progression to university, apprenticeships or employment.
You could progress to further study in areas such as Travel and Tourism, Tourism Management, Business, Marketing, Events Management or Geography.
Potential career paths include:
- Travel consultant or travel agent
- Tourism or destination marketing executive
- Events and conference coordinator
- Visitor attraction or leisure management
- Customer experience and hospitality roles
- Tour operator or holiday representative
- Airline, airport or transport services
- Tourism development and destination management
The skills developed through this course, including communication, customer service, research, planning and marketing, are also valuable across a wide range of other industries.