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: 

Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110422  Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 11 - Services  Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-09-11  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 primary purpose of this qualification is to enable working tourism professionals to articulate across the higher education system and to assist learners with continued professional development in the field of Tourism. This qualification may enable a learner change in career path as it caters for a variety of module options to choose from according to their specific needs and circumstances. The selection of modules allows a learner to meet the requirements of the tourism labour market, e.g. in tourism development and management. This qualification aims to develop an understanding of the current theories and methodologies in the field of tourism management.

This qualification serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in tourism. The qualification enables learners already employed to develop themselves more fully without too many interruptions in their lifestyles. Furthermore, it affords learners in rural areas the opportunity to continue their professional development.

The qualification is suitable for learners who want to gain specialised knowledge in tourism and a better understanding of the tourism industry. This initiative will not only help in improving the local tourism industry, but also the country's economy. The learners will be equipped with advanced knowledge and various skills and competencies in tourism management that will improve their capacity to engage independently with complex theoretical concepts and problems related to the different sectors.

Rationale:
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the world. In South Africa, the National government has acknowledged tourism as one of the four pillars for economic growth and job creation in the New Growth Path. A dedicated National Department of Tourism (NDT) was introduced after the 2009 elections, which has since developed the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS). The NTSS addresses the need for education and professional development of employees in the tourism industry.

This qualification aims to address these needs by affording learners the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in the industry. It will allow learners to obtain a more detailed knowledge of the different sectors in the industry and to afford them to specialise in a specific sector. The majority of the learners for this qualification would be graduates employed in the tourism industry, who do not have the time to study fulltime at a residential university or who stay in a rural area.

The qualification addresses the workplace need for an overall orientation of the different sectors and related career choices in the tourism industry. It will further enable learners to gain knowledge of tourism management which can be implemented practically and independently. In addition, it will improve the learner's ability to identify global trends as well as tourist needs and motives in the specialist areas of their choice.

Successful learners will benefit in various ways, as will society and the economy. The qualification will add practical and operational value to the tourism industry in South Africa, enhancing continued growth of this vital industry. Furthermore, this qualification will also serve as a springboard to further studies and career development; but is also suitable for the learner who wants to exit and start working in the industry and not to continue with further studies.

This qualification has been developed considering the needs of learners and employers. A team of experts was used consisting of several subject specialists from two providers and industry, and an educational consultant. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
All admission through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the Institution's RPL Policy. This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning.

Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • A 360 Credits Diploma in Tourism Management.
    Or
  • A similar qualification in Tourism Management at Level 6.
    Or
  • A Bachelor's Degree with a major in any hospitality field. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 60 Credits - Group A:
  • Hospitality Management, 12 Credits.
  • Special Interest Tourism, 12 Credits.
  • Tourism Distribution, 12 Credits.
  • Air Transport for Tourism, 12 Credits.
  • Tourism Governance, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules, at NQF Level 7, 36 Credits - Group B (Select any three modules):
  • Family Business Management III, 12 Credits.
  • Career Psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Theoretical and Applied Ethics, 12 Credits.
  • Compensation Management, 12 Credits.
  • Performance Management, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules, at NQF Level 7, 24 Credits - Group C (Select any two modules):
  • Environmental Awareness and Responsibility, 12 Credits.
  • Ecotourism, 12 Credits.
  • Food and Beverage Service, 12 Credits.
  • Beverage Studies, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Housekeeping, 12 Credits.
  • International Cuisine, 12 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Engage in becoming a well-rounded, educated person and in preparing for further, more specific study or the work environment.
    2. Ability to communicate her/his skills in a rational and logical manner.
    3. Apply entrepreneurial skills pertinent to the different tourism sectors, business, commerce and management.
    4. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theories and practices pertaining to the field of hospitality management, tourism distribution, air transport, geography of tourism, and environmental awareness, but also in the related fields of business, commerce and management studies.
    5. Deal with advanced problems, specifically pertaining to the field of hospitality, tourism distribution, air transport, geography for tourism, and environmental awareness and responsibility, but also in the related fields of tourism business, commerce and management studies.
    6. Demonstrate proficiency in understanding and managing the different tourism sector related activities and has the ability to apply the theoretical knowledge, in diverse tourism business environments. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Perform a critical role in society and the industry with regard to entrepreneurship and job creation as stipulated in the New Growth Path.
  • Use disciplinary-and interdisciplinary-based information to take an informed stand with regard to tourism, business and government policies.
  • Assume a personal role in the tourism and business environments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Answer questions in writing in an acceptable format e.g. tourism business plans.
  • Use language effectively to convey ideas and insights intelligibly.
  • Evaluate, interpret and generate information in and from a variety of sources.
  • Explain the ramifications of tourism policies, such as the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) and tourism business decisions related to the different sectors (such as Hospitality) in a language which is accessible to the general public and various stakeholders in the tourism community.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply the knowledge and understanding of the policies implied by tourism governance principles.
  • Apply the knowledge and understanding of the skills prescribed by the different tourism related associations, such as the Southern African Association of the Conference Industry (SAACI), Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA), as well as national government organisations (NGOs).
  • Demonstrate understanding of the need to act professionally and ethically towards tourists, guest, passengers, employees and the world at large.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse, evaluate and apply advanced business, commerce and management theories and principles to practical tourism industry related situations.
  • Contribute to the improvement and development (in a limited manner) of principles related to tourism policies and the procedures followed in the various tourism sectors, such as in hospitality management.
  • Customise and adapt international best practice tourism business, commerce and management practices and theories to the South African tourism industry requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify problems in the Hospitality, Tourism Distribution, Air Transport fields and related disciplines.
  • Develop appropriate business and entrepreneurship solutions in the different tourism sectors.
  • Formulate appropriate responses to tourism related problems tourism employees are normally confronted with.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the nature and theory of specific tourism governance related activities, such as the writing of a tourism business plan.
  • Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the concepts, principals and theories relating to nature based tourism (adventure tourism and culture tourism), special events (with specific reference to festival tourism, food - and wine tourism and sport tourism) as well as cruise tourism and space tourism.
  • Demonstrate an informed understanding of important terms, concepts and principles of the environment in which hospitality operations operate.
  • Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the concepts, principals and theories relating to the role of information and information communication technology (ICT) in tourism; the channels of distribution in the tourism industry and more specifically in the airlines, hotel industry, and specific destinations; distribution via the internet and competitive strategies and future trends in tourism distribution.
  • Analyse the air transport system and environment, the airline industry, competition issues, route networks, scheduling through hubs, pricing power and the role, control and management of airports with reference to South Africa.
  • Demonstrate an integrated knowledge of the types of family businesses, family roles and relationships, special features of family business management, the process of leadership succession, and transfer of ownership.
  • Take full responsibility of her or his work by demonstrating insight into aspects such as the meaning of work; career concepts and a career management model; theories of career choice; life and career stages; organisational choice; career management in a changing environment; organisational support; and career issues.
  • Foster critical and creative thinking amongst students by enabling students to think contextually, and demonstrate skills in understanding the theoretical frameworks and normative dimensions of decision making in the applied fields of business ethics and environmental ethics.
  • Demonstrate capability and decision making skills in handling compensation management functions, by applying and evaluating the criteria used to compensate employees, compensation system design issues, employee benefits, challenges of compensating key strategic employee groups, and the 'total reward' approach towards compensation.
  • Demonstrate a fundamental and systematic knowledge of performance management with a view to determine, design and implement appropriate systems that ensure proper management of employee performance in an organisation.
  • Reflect constructively on environmental impacts, and develop a value system in terms of their environmental awareness and responsibility in tourism.
  • Demonstrate an integrated knowledge of ecotourism in terms of the following the concepts; sustainable (responsible) tourism; specialist travel markets; resources (also in South Africa); environmental impacts; policy and regulation; planning, development and management of ecotourism destinations; the ecotourism business; communities and ecotourism destinations; ecotourism projects in South Africa.
  • Demonstrate an integrated knowledge and apply the competence needed to serve food and beverages correctly to its kind.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods and apply the competence required to serve wine, spirits and liqueurs, beer and non-alcoholic beverages correctly to any hospitality institution.
  • Analyse and apply the competence required in providing a housekeeping service of high quality in the hospitality industry.
  • Demonstrate an appreciation of a range of methods to evaluate traditional dishes of other countries, including the indigenous traditions of various culture groups in South Africa; and an understanding of their life styles and food preferences.
  • Develop menus typical to a region or culture group driven by theory related arguments.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learners must demonstrate the ability to engage in the correctional operations selected in an integrative way, dealing with divergent and "random" demands related to these work operations, effectively. Evidence is required that the learner is able to achieve the purpose of the qualification as a whole at the time of the award of the qualification.

    Each module completed of this qualification will have two assessment components namely:
  • Formative Assessment: learning and assessment are integrated. The study guides contain self-assessment tasks and feedback. The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and students are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and a limited number of outcomes.
  • Summative Assessment: examinations or equivalent assessment such as a portfolio of a representative selection of outcomes practiced and assessed in the formative stage. Summative Assessment also tests the student's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.
  • Integrated Assessment: All assessment will integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes and applied competence. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with the following international qualifications:

    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institution: West London College.
    Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management.

    West London College (further and higher educational college) offers an Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management, which is accredited by the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH). This qualification is offered on National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5 and has a duration of 2 years. The first year of study concentrates on the retail aspects in the tourism industry consisting of the following modules: understanding the global hospitality and tourism industries, the financial aspects of a hospitality and tourism business, building customer relationships, travel and tourism operations as well as travel industry reservations. The second year is devoted to the studying of tourism from the tour operators' perspective, advanced business practices, and the development and management of sustainable tourism by governments and by private enterprises.

    Country: Australia.
    Institution: Technical and Further Education South Australia (tafe sa).
    Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma of Tourism.

    This qualification provides learners with the skills and knowledge to be competent in a wide-range of highly specialised technical tourism skills covering operations, sales, marketing, product development, business planning, and human resource and financial management. This type of qualification is known as a training package qualification and has a duration of 2 years. Learners are required to undertake the core modules and a range of elective modules to complete the qualification.

    Country: London.
    Institution: William Blue College of Hospitality Management.
    Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma of Business (Tourism Management).

    This is a two-year qualification. Learners are exposed to business law, human resource management, project management, statistics and tourist operations related modules. The syllabus consists of 8 core modules in the first year and 8 core modules in the 2nd year with the option of selecting 1 elective. Each module is worth 10 Credits and allows a learner the opportunity to articulate to a Bachelor's Degree. Flexible study options are available as learners may study full time, part time or follow the online course.

    Country: London.
    Institution: Grenville College.
    Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma in Tourism and Business Studies.
    This qualification has a duration of 1 year and is offered on NQF Level 6. The Institute of Commercial Management (ICM) is the awarding body of this qualification. This qualification is designed to provide learners with an understanding of the global structure of the tourism industry and its component parts, as well as the necessary business skills for sustainable tourism development. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Entrepreneurship, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Management, Level 8. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.
     
    1. University of South Africa 



    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.