Travel and Tourism (BTEC) – From Sept 2026

Why choose a BTEC Tech Award in Travel & Tourism

Tech Awards are Level 1/Level 2 courses that are of the same size and rigour as GCSEs,

This course will give learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific applied knowledge and technical skills in a practical learning environment. They will develop key transferable skills through vocational contexts, by exploring products and services offered by different travel and tourism organisations, the features of popular tourist destinations, how organisations use market research and trends to identify and meet customer needs requirements, and the factors that influence global travel and tourism. The qualification enables learners to develop their transferable skills, such as researching, planning, and making decisions and judgements.

This Tech Award complements the learning in GCSE programmes such as GCSE Geography and GCSE Business by broadening learners’ experience and skills participation in different contexts, with opportunities for them to practically apply knowledge and skills. Following successful completion of this qualification, learners can progress onto A Levels, or to a vocational qualification at Level 3, such as a BTEC National in Travel & Tourism

Content Overview

Component 1: Travel and Tourism Organisations and Destinations Learners will investigate travel and tourism organisations in the UK, their ownership, aims, key products and services, and how they work together. They will explore the role of different consumer technologies within the travel and tourism industry. Learners will understand the different types of tourism and different types of visitor and will investigate the features of and routes to popular tourist destinations.

GLH: 36

Qualification Weighting: 30%

Marks available: 60

Type of assessment: Internal assessment (PSA*) with 5 tasks. Externally moderated.

Length of assessment: 4 hours of monitored preparation and 6 hours of supervised sessions

Availability: Twice a year – October release for December/January moderation (from 2023). February release for May/June moderation (from 2023).

Component 2: Customer Needs in Travel and Tourism Learners will investigate how organisations use market research to identify travel and tourism trends and identify customer needs and preferences. They will apply their understanding by exploring how specific needs are met by organisations and how travel planning meets customer needs and preferences.

GLH: 36

Qualification Weighting: 30%

Marks available: 60

Type of assessment: Internal assessment (PSA*) with 4 tasks. Externally moderated.

Length of assessment: 5 hours of monitored preparation and 6 hours of supervised sessions.

Availability: Twice a year – October release for December/January moderation (from 2023). February release for May/June moderation (from 2023).

Component 3: Influences on Global Travel and Tourism Learners will explore the different factors that may influence global travel and tourism, and how travel and tourism organisations and destinations respond to these factors. Learners will examine the potential impacts of tourism at global destinations and how destinations can manage the impacts of tourism and control tourism development to achieve sustainable tourism.

GLH: 48

Qualification Weighting: 40%

Marks available: 60

Type of assessment: External synoptic exam. Externally marked.

Length of assessment: 2 hours

Availability: Twice a year in January/February and May/June (from 2024).