AIM OF COURSE

Despite recent setbacks, the travel and tourism industry continues to grow at a rapid pace. The last ten years have seen a huge increase in the amount of travel undertaken by individuals for both leisure and business purposes. Significantly, the growth of budget airlines has contributed to an expansion in the short-break market. This has led to a growth of regional airports in the UK and across Europe and a rise in the number of new hospitality enterprises including health spas and boutique hotels. This rapid expansion has led to huge demand for a more flexibly-skilled workforce. Specific skills gaps identified in the emerging Sector Qualification Strategy (SQS) for Travel and Tourism include customer service skills, destination geography, knowledge of working with children, and business skills. These BTEC Nationals seek to address these areas. They have been structured to encourage the acquisition and development of these competencies prior to, or whilst in, employment in the travel and tourism industry.