SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Occupational Certificate: Travel Professional

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
101372	Occupational Certificate: Travel Professional
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - CATHSSETA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 11 - Services		Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	252	Not Applicable	NQF Level 05	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0425/24	2018-07-01	2025-12-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30		2029-12-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Travel Professional. A Travel Professional sources, plans and processes travel and tourism arrangements and auxiliary services matched to clients' needs.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Analyse clients' needs, research, provide advice, and sell travel and tourism related products and services based on customers' needs.

Organise and process travel and tourism arrangements and auxiliary services and issue relevant documentation.

Rationale:
The South African tourism industry, of which travel is a component, has been identified as a key priority economic sector and has shown sustained growth in recent years. Travel serves as a facilitator to open access to trade and other opportunities to organisations that do business with both national and international organisations and this, in turn, creates opportunities for individuals in terms of both direct and indirect job opportunities and entrepreneurship.

Organisations within the travel and tourism industry require highly skilled travel professionals who are able to render a high quality service that meets the ever changing customer needs. In an attempt to meet this demand; the currently registered qualification for a travel professional has been amended in order to address changes in technology, business practices, legislation etc.; to provide the knowledge and skills required for a travel professional to operate at the desired level.

This qualification is intended for those wanting to pursue a career in the travel and tourism sector as travel processors, travel agents/consultants, ticketing/reservations agents and or travel professionals. Learners who successfully complete the qualification can operate in organisations providing travel related products and services to travellers and customers. Primary employment sectors include travel agencies, tour operators, car rental companies and airlines. Secondary employment sectors could include attraction and destination management and coordination (e.g. regional tourism organisations) organisations.

Upon completion, learners will be able to analyse clients' needs, research, provide advice, and sell travel and tourism related products and services. They will also be able to organise and process travel and tourism arrangements and auxiliary services and issue relevant documentation.

The qualification provides for the recognition of prior knowledge and skills, whether obtained formally or informally, to be recognised through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning.

The content of the qualification lays a sound foundation for learning and career progression that will enable the learner to enter higher level qualifications (e.g. Bachelor in Technology, select Degrees etc.), grow towards more senior/managerial positions within the travel industry or develop entrepreneurial skills.

Benefits to learners who complete the qualification include greater access to employment opportunities within the formal travel sector, in addition to creating a foothold for independence by reducing dependency on the fiscus and actively contributing as an active citizen to the growth and sustainability of the South African economy.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

Entry Requirements:

NQF Level 4, with Mathematics.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:
Knowledge Modules:

422102001-KM-01, Computer literacy, Level 2, 5 Credits.

422102001-KM-02, Tourism industry, Level 5, 3 Credits.

422102001-KM-03, World Geography from a travel and tourism perspective, Level 5, 6 Credits.

422102001-KM-04, Tourism destinations, attractions and itinerary planning, Level 5, 30 Credits.

422102001-KM-05, Travel services and products, Level 5, 6 Credits.

422102001-KM-06, Global Distribution/Central Reservations Systems (GDS/CRS), Level 5, 12 Credits.

422102001-KM-07, Air travel, Level 5, 5 Credits.

422102001-KM-08, Domestic and International point-to-point based Fares and Ticketing, Level 5, 8 Credits.

422102001-KM-09, Communication and customer care, Level 5, 8 Credits.

422102001-KM-10, Selling Skills, Level 5, 3 Credits.

422102001-KM-11, Professionalism and business etiquette, Level 5, 2 Credits.

422102001-KM-12, Business and financial acumen, Level 5, 3 Credits.

422102001-KM-13, Industry legislative requirements and other compliance, Level 5, 3 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 94.

Practical Skill Modules:

422102001-PM-01, Research, analyse and sell tourism-related products and services, Level 5, 25 Credits.

422102001-PM-02, Process reservations and issue documentation, Level 5, 25 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 50.

This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:

422102001-WM-01, Researching, analysing and selling tourism-related products and services, Level 5, 72 Credits.

422102001-WM-02, Processing reservations and issuing documentation, Level 5, Credits 36.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 108.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Use a range of resources to research, locate and access destination information in order to make relevant travel recommendations.
2. Communicate effectively in order to determine customer needs, recommend travel products and services to match the needs identified, plan an itinerary and sell relevant products and services.
3. Interpret and communicate to the customer the rules and regulations as well as terms and conditions that apply to a specific reservation.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

The atlas and other relevant sources are used to locate and access destination information.

The destination is selected and recommendations are made based on the type of traveller/tourist and his/her interests.

The destination recommended takes into account the date of travel with respect to climate, activities etc.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Customer rapport is built and questions are asked to determine specific needs.

Travel destinations are recommended based on the needs established.

The selling process is applied to conclude the sale.

A detailed, sequenced and logical itinerary is developed advising the customer of the travel arrangements.

The quote of estimate costs is drafted using the appropriate format and presented for customer approval.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Terms and conditions are explained to the customer.

Rules and regulations are explained and applied to the relevant reservation.

Customer's understanding is verified through questioning techniques.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated Formative Assessment:
The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment:
An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. The external assessment will be conducted through written examinations and demonstration of practical tasks at accredited assessment centres by registered assessors over a period of three (3) days.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The study has revealed that travel and tourism industry is becoming a popular career with many qualifications and courses offered by a number of providers globally. For this study, a focus was on qualifications offered in New Zealand and the United Kingdom (UK). This was due to the many courses and qualifications found in these two countries.

New Zealand:
Two qualifications that compared with the South African occupational qualification were found to be New Zealand Certificate in Travel (Level 4) - 2204 and New Zealand certificate in Travel (Level 5)-2206. In both qualifications the purpose is to provide the travel industry with individuals who can professionally support customers with travel enquiries, information and booking requirements, and through their skills and knowledge increase the contribution of the travel industry to the New Zealand economy.

The level 5 qualification is more geared towards equipping learners with knowledge and skills required to implement and deliver a wide range of customer services, product advice, and sales in a travel industry context. The qualification has 60 Credits and it is intended for individuals who can work as senior consultants in a retail or wholesale travel related business. Some of the unit standards covered in the qualification compare with the South African occupational qualification as they include among others the following:

Implement and deliver a wide range of customer services, product advice, and sales in a travel industry context, applying appropriate communication, literacy, numeracy, risk management, and analytical and problem solving skills, to resolve complex customer service enquiries, and to build and maintain effective networks and client relationships, in order to grow a sustainable business.

Manage workplace practices required of the travel industry including: self-management, teamwork, team leadership, data evaluation, and compliance with relevant Acts and legislation.

Apply a broad theoretical and practical knowledge of world geography, as well as detailed, research-based knowledge of key global destinations, in terms of characteristics matched to customer expectations.

Provide input and actively work with travel management on workflow changes, particularly providing feedback on internal procedures, marketing programmes, and competitive analyses, to contribute to overall business effectiveness.

Develop and promote travel related business opportunities for a chosen market, to contribute to overall business effectiveness.

The contents of this qualification have been covered in the South African occupational qualification.

United Kingdom (UK):
The UK has a series of Travel and Tourism qualifications. Some of these qualifications are:

Advanced Subsidiary General Certificate of Education in Travel and Tourism.

Advanced Subsidiary General Certificate of Education in Travel and Tourism (double award).

Advanced General Certificate in Travel and Tourism.

Advanced General Certificate in Travel and Tourism (double award).

Upon completion of the learning, learners will be able to:

Develop and sustain an interest in travel and tourism and the issues affecting the development of the industry, and its potential effect on employment opportunities.

Develop an understanding of the scale and importance of the travel and tourism industry and the interdependence of its sectors.

Appreciate the importance of the customer to the travel and tourism industry.

Appreciate the importance of host destinations and communities to the travel and tourism industry and the importance of sustainable development.

Appreciate the positive and negative impacts that travel and tourism may have on people, environment and economy.

Develop practical and technical skills relevant to the travel and tourism industry.

Apply their knowledge and understanding of travel and tourism, and use skills of research, evaluation and problem solving in vocational contexts.

Plan, prioritise and meet deadlines, and work independently and within teams.

Participate in visits to travel and tourism organisations and destinations.

All of the above have been covered in the South African occupational qualification.

In addition to the above qualifications, the UK has a Diploma in Travel and Tourism which covers planning for a journey, destinations, looking after customers, working in the travel and tourism industry and creating and delivering travel and tourism products and services. The qualification has a total of 240 Credits. This Diploma compares with the South African occupational qualification.

City and Guilds offers a series of qualifications for individuals who aspire to pursue careers in the travel and tourism industry. The series ranges from Level 1-NQF Level 6 qualifications. Some of the qualifications found are:

Introduction to Travel and Tourism, Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) (4775) - NQF Level 4.

Travel and Tourism, Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) (4931) - Level 5 and 6.

Of particular interest are the similarities between the content of the Travel and Tourism (SVQ) Level 5 qualification and that of the South African occupational qualification. The core unit standards covered in the SQV qualification are listed below:

Research travel and destination information.

Complete foreign exchange transactions.

Assist with travel and tourism problems and emergencies.

Sell tourism related products and services.

Prepare and maintain holiday accommodation.

Other qualifications offered by private institutions such as the International Academy of Travel (UK based- Ireland) include among others-Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) Level 5 Tourism with Business Award (5M5011) Travel and Tourism Higher National Diploma-NQF level 5, offered by NWK College (UK based) and a Diploma in Tourism Management NQF Level 5.

Conclusion:
Based on the findings above, it can be concluded that the South African Occupational qualification is comparable with those offered in other countries.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

The qualification articulates horizontally with:

Certificate: Travel operations, Level 5, SAQA ID 61909.

Diploma: Travel and Tourism, Level 5, SAQA ID 58013.

The qualification articulates vertically with:

Diploma: Travel and Tourism, Level 6, SAQA ID 67297.

Diploma: Travel and Tourism Management, Level 6, SAQA ID 73395.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

Qualifying for external assessment:
In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required standards by means of statements of results and work experience.

Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
None.

Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

The curriculum title and code is: Travel Professional, 422102001.

This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:

This is not a trade qualification.

Part Qualifications:
None.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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