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Unit 13: Tour Operations
Unit 13 Tour Operations
Unit 13 Overview
10 Credits
Tour operators play a very important role in travel and tourism, by arranging the package holidays that are such an important feature of life in the 21st century. Tour operators are at the forefront of today’s travel and tourism sector, seeking out new destinations and holiday experiences to satisfy the ever-changing needs and expectations of travellers. They work in partnership with airlines, hoteliers, car hire companies and a variety of other travel service suppliers to package their holiday products. Tour operators sell holidays through travel agents and direct to the public, with internet bookings showing dramatic rises in recent years.
In this unit students examine the UK tour operations environment, including links with other travel and tourism component industries. They investigate the many challenges facing tour operators, such as integration and the growth in online sales. Different types of tour operators are identified and students learn how products and services are developed to meet a variety of customer needs. They also explore how tour operators plan, sell, administer and operate a package holiday programme. Finally, students have the chance to develop their practical skills by planning and costing a typical package holiday, allowing them to appreciate some of the commercial decisions necessary to be profitable in this industry.
Unit 13 Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit students should:
1. Understand the tour operations environment;
2. Know the range of products and services offered by tour operators for different target markets;
3. Know how tour operators plan, sell, administer and operate a package holiday programme; 4. Be able to plan and cost a package holiday.
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BTEC National Level 3