Aim of Unit 1 The Travel and Tourism Sector
The tourism industry has been regarded as one of the fastest-growing industries in the market. Unit 1 The Travel and Tourism Sector sheds light on the travel and tourism sector. This also helps the students to understand the impact of government, the impact of tourism and the effect and demand of supply chain management. The students will be able to acquire knowledge about the historical progress of tourism and the influence of tourism on communities and the environment. The unit also deals with an investigation of the national and international policies that influence the tourism sector. This also focuses on the impact of political changes on the tourism sector.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit a learner will:
- Understand the history and structure of the travel and tourismsector
- Understandtheinfluenceoflocalandnationalgovernmentsandinternationalagencieson the travel and tourismsector
- Understand the effects of supply and demand on the travel and tourismsector
- Understand the impacts oftourism.
LO1 Understand the history and structure of the travel and tourism sector
This section provides information regarding the history of the tourism sector, post-industrial revolution, grand tours, and post wars. This also deals with current factors that cause the growth of the industry in terms of time, technology, money, infrastructure, freedom of movement, social conditions. This also focuses on the structure of the tourism sector that includes events and conferences, visitor attraction, passenger transport and accommodation services and so on.
LO2 Understand the influence of local and national governments and international agencies on the travel and tourism sector
This section sheds light on the influences of local and national governments and international agencies. There might be direct and indirect impacts on the tourism industry that include economic policy and political change. Moreover, this provides information on the impact of regional, national, government-sponsored bodies on the tourism sector. Apart from this, international agencies such as the World Tourism Organisation, Travel and Tourism Council, the International Air Transport Association also influence the tourism sector.
LO3 Understand the effects of supply and demand on the travel and tourism sector
In this section, the effect of supply and demand on the travel and tourism sector is discussed. This focuses on the requirements for establishing a stable tourism industry that includes demographics, technological, globalisation, environmentalism. The sector is also influenced by the changes in the rate of currency exchange, interest rates, inflation rates and level of disposable income. This also discusses the supply demands such as tour operators, accommodation, service, quality and type of products.
LO4 Understand the impacts of tourism
This focuses on the positive and negative impact of tourism. The positive impacts include multiplier effects, direct and indirect income, and growth of sectors, government revenues and foreign exchange rates. On the other hand, the negative impacts include inflation, seasonality, environmental and overdependence. The improvement in infrastructure, education and cross-cultural exchange and host communities also create a positive impact on this sector. However, waste disposal, overuse of water, overcrowding, damage to environment and wildlife creates a negative impact on the tourism sector.
Learning outcomes and assessment criteria
Learning outcomes On successful completion of this unit a learner will: | Assessment criteria for pass The learner can: |
LO1 Understand the history and structure of the travel and tourism sector | explain keyhistorical developments in the travel and tourismsectorexplain the structure of the travel and tourismsector |
LO2 Understand the influence of local and national governments and international agencies on the travel and tourism sector | analyse the function of government, Government- sponsored bodies and international agencies intravel andtourismexplain how local and national economic policy influences the success of the travel and tourismsectordiscuss the implications of political change on thetravel and tourism sector in differentcountries |
LO3 Understand the effects of supply and demand on the travel and tourism sector | explain factors affecting tourismdemandexplain how supply has changed to meet the effectsof demand |
LO4 Understand the impacts of tourism | evaluate the main positive and negativeeconomic, environmental and social impacts oftourismexplain strategies that can be used to minimise the negative impacts while maximising the positiveimpacts |

Links
Unit 1 The Travel and Tourism Sector introduces learners to the travel and tourism sector and therefore links with all other units in this qualification.
This unit maps to the following Management NVQ unit:
- B8: Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical and socialrequirements.