SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
118400	Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			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
Registered		SAQA 116/21	2021-11-18	2024-11-18
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-11-18		2028-11-18

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
119971	Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The National Development Plan 2030 regards the tourism industry as a key sector in South Africa that has significant growth and job creation potential, however, there is a global skills shortage in the tourism industry. The qualification has been designed to address the skills shortage in the tourism industry. It promotes employment opportunities for qualified learners. The qualification prepares learners for jobs in all spheres of government and the private sector, while also opening doors for entrepreneurship opportunities in the country. Furthermore, learners will have a chance to be tourism entrepreneurs and create jobs rather than being seekers of employment. This qualification supports the Department of Tourism's focus on encouraging South Africans to contribute positively towards the economy by establishing tourism entrepreneurial ventures.

The qualification is suitable for learners who want to gain specialised knowledge in tourism and a better understanding of the tourism industry. The purpose of the qualification is to develop higher-order thinking skills by applying integrated strategic managerial skills to demonstrate a sound understanding of complex tourism-related issues such as sustainability, development and marketing through the application of research-informed information. Moreover, the qualification allows alternative access for learners who have experience in the tourism industry but do not have formal education.

South Africa is strategically located in major tourist sites which attract more than half of international tourists. Sustainable growth in the tourism industry requires effective strategic management. Therefore, the qualification will equip the learners with the required strategic management skills. Learners will contribute strategic management skills to facilitate the continued growth of tourism within South Africa.

Qualifying learners will be able to:

Identify and solve specific tourism-related problems such as sustainability, development and marketing at an advanced level by applying enhanced strategic management skills and research methodologies.

Critically review knowledge and understanding of tourism management principles and practices apply these to the strategic management of a project at an advanced level.

Apply professional standards, apply ethical principles and responsibilities as required in the tourism industry.

Conceptualise and design a strategic and marketing plan and develop a niche tourism product will provide a competitive edge for graduates with this qualification.

Design and conduct research using the appropriate research techniques in the tourism industry.

The integration of the research methodologies makes the qualification unique. The design of the qualification was informed by the international comparison results and the consultation with relevant stakeholders. The research module will prepare learners for postgraduate studies and equip them with research skills.

Rationale:
The South African President in the State of Nation Address (2019) emphasised that the number of tourism employees should be doubled by 2030, which will require additional managerial capacity. Sustainable growth in the tourism industry requires effective strategic management. Key specific modules such as Niche Tourism, Tourism Development and Research Methodology are integrated with the qualification to address specific tourism needs. Therefore, the qualification will equip the learners with the required strategic management skills to contribute strategic management skills and facilitate the continued growth of tourism within South Africa.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the tourism industry remains one of the biggest global sectors with incessant growth opportunities when managed effectively. In the South African government's New Growth Path, the tourism sector has been earmarked as one of four key pillars towards employment creation and economic development in the country in accordance with the National Skills Development Plan of South Africa which aims to promote tourism expansion. The occupations and job opportunities within the tourism management discipline relate to areas such as small and medium tourism business owners, the accommodation sector, the travel and tourism sector, destination management and marketing, the government sector and business tourism in general while the areas of activities within the qualification focus on the development of graduate skills and competencies for various roles within the tourism management sector. The qualification will add practical and operational value to the tourism industry in South Africa, enhancing the continued growth of this vital industry.

The qualification is designed to prepare learners for postgraduate study through understanding theories, methodologies and practices, specifically that of the tourism industry, as well as the development of their ability to formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practice-related challenges through the selection and utilisation of appropriate teaching and learning methods. The qualification, therefore, provides learners to advance their career path within the Tourism field and enables working tourism professionals to articulate across the higher education system towards further studies, Masters in Tourism Management and eventually a Doctorate. The typical learner completing the qualification will be a critical thinker, have an advanced understanding of complex issues facing the tourism industry, compile a research proposal and contribute to professionalism in the tourism industry.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The qualification may be achieved in part through RPL according to policies governing higher education, to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses, provided they can demonstrate competence in the outcomes of the qualification as required by the fundamental, core and elective areas stipulated in the qualification and Exit Level Outcomes.

The assessment of RPL applications must satisfy the key validating criteria spelt out in the institution's Assessment Policy such as transparency, fairness, legitimacy, attention to unintended negative consequences, and feasibility. The assessment of the applicant will be conducted and aligned with the admission criteria of the qualification applied for.

RPL for access:

RPL is based on granting access for learners to further learning and provide pathways for success in the qualification.

The purpose of RPL is to overcome obstacles for prospective learners towards life-long learning by granting admission to a qualification, admission to further studies in higher education.

Advanced standing may be granted.

RPL for exemption of modules

Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credits:

Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.

Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Diploma in Tourism Management, NQF level 6 with a minimum of 360 credits and an aggregate average of 60% for the National Diploma.
or

Diploma in Tourism Management, NQF level 6 with a minimum of 360 credits and an aggregate average of 60% for the Diploma.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits:

Tourism Development IV, 30 Credits.

Tourism Marketing IV, 20 Credits.

Tourism Management IV, 30 Credits.

Niche Tourism, 25 Credits.

Research Methodology, 15 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply integrated strategic managerial skills to demonstrate a sound understanding of complex tourism-related issues such as sustainability, development and marketing through the application of research-informed information.
2. Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address tourism complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
3. Evaluate and apply advanced knowledge and understanding of tourism management principles and practices in individual and group tourism projects.
4. Demonstrate the ability to make decisions and act ethically and professionally, and the ability to justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported environment.
5. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the central areas of one or more tourism practices, including an understanding of and the ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of that field, discipline or practice.
6. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of research methodologies and identify research problems in the tourism industry.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Critically assess complex tourism-related issues, such as sustainability, development, planning, marketing, control, evaluation and the industry life-cycle through utilizing research-informed local, national and global tourism industry information.

Implement sustainability, development and marketing through research application.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Identify, analyse and solve specific tourism-related problems such as but not limited to sustainability, development, socio-cultural aspects and marketing at an advanced level.

Apply enhanced strategic management skills and research methodologies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Integrate and implement knowledge and understanding of tourism management principles and practices to projects.

Align and apply the tourism principles to the strategic management of individual and group tourism-related projects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Comprehend and apply managerial ethical principles and professional ethics.

Describe the nature and complexity of ethical dilemmas in the tourism industry.

Describe the ethical implications of decisions made.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Conceptualise and design a strategic and marketing plan, including branding.

Develop a niche tourism product or service within the South African tourism context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Identify and apply appropriate research methodologies to solve problems and to communicate research industry results effectively to the tourism industry.

Identify a topic related to the field of tourism and address issues and propose solutions to the issues.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Two similar qualifications offered internationally were examined to develop an internationally comparable qualification, and at the same time, suited for a developing country like South Africa. The following aspects of similar qualifications were compared: qualification titles, entry requirements, Levels, purpose, Exit Level Outcomes, qualification structure/modules, assessment and articulation, and the details are outlined below.

Country: Namibia
Institution: International University of Management (IUM)
Qualification titles: Bachelor in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management Honours
Qualification NQF Level: NQF Level 8.
Total credits:120
Duration:
The Bachelor in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management Honours is conferred after one year of full-time or part-time study in one or more areas of tourism, hospitality & event specialisation and the maximum study period is two years.

Minimum Entry requirements:
The minimum entry requirement is an appropriate Bachelor in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (NQF Level 7) offered by the IUM or any qualification from the NQA recognised institution.

Exit level outcomes (ELOs):
Holders of the qualification are able to:

Apply technical skills and knowledge in reviewing relevant literature, identifying problems, evaluating appropriate research methodology for execution of research as a tool for decision making and furthering of academic knowledge and showing skills for critical thinking, interpretation and use of research findings.

Analyse strategic approaches in Parks and Wildlife Management, eco-tourism, events management and cultural tourism.

Demonstrate competencies and ability to communicate in a foreign language either in German or French.

Demonstrate attitudes, skills and commitment expected by industry in pursuing a career in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management.

Develop a business proposal in Hospitality businesses for entrepreneurship purposes.

Assessment methods:
Formative assessment:
Continuous Assessment (CA) for the theory-based course attracts 40% of the final grade.
Examples of CA include:

Tests.

Group activities.

Assignments (group/individual).

Demonstrations and presentations (in a preparation room or laboratory or work station).

Practical assessments through score sheets.

Timed observations and evaluations are undertaken by the learner during the study period.

Summative assessment:
The final exam counts for 60% of the overall final mark. The final examination comes at the end of the course. Unless prescribed otherwise, the standard examinations will be of three hours duration. Examiners may, in addition to written examination, test any candidate orally. Taken in this final year of study, the Bachelor in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management Honour, Research Project is meant to engage learners in research with a faculty member designated to a learner by the faculty in order to generate knowledge necessary to complete all the requirements for the award of the qualification.

Each learner must independently complete a 10 000 - 15 000 words research project. The research should be original on a topic related to Tourism, Hospitality, and Events Management. The research should have a clearly defined problem statement, a review of the existing literature on the chosen topic, original evidence offered to support the research project, consideration of alternative rival hypotheses, and a conclusion with recommendations. Upon completion of writing the research project, the learner would be required to present their research findings before a faculty selected project panel.

Qualification structure:
The year of study will be divided into two semesters and learners are expected to take six examinable courses in the first semester and two-year courses examinable at the end of the year. The second semester mainly focuses on research methodology and field projects in addition to one elective subject.

The qualification includes the following compulsory and/or elective modules:
Compulsory modules:

Services Marketing Strategies.

Event Management.

Cultural Tourism.

Airline Management.

Sports Tourism.

Wildlife and Parks Management.

Applied Entrepreneurship Management.

Applied Research Methodology.

Research Project.

Electives modules (Choose only one module).

French IIB.

German IIB.

Articulation possibilities:
Horizontally
Learners may also, where applicable, move into other existing Management professional qualifications.

Vertically:

Bachelor in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management Honours grants admissions to Master in Tourism and Hospitality Management offered by IUM or any related qualification at NQF Level 9.

Comparison:
The proposed qualifications share similar modules such as the research methodology. The research methodology will be offered to provide learners with a foundation on which to build their research knowledge and skills. However, the qualification is unique in terms of the following:

Two marketing modules will be offered which will cover important components such as e-marketing, advertising, marketing strategies and developing a marketing plan in a tourism context. An understanding of tourism marketing is important since tourism products are intangible and require a unique understanding of marketing.

Two niche tourism modules will be offered and will comprise tourism niche markets such as adventure tourism and dark tourism. The development of niche tourism is important for destinations to differentiate themselves and to compete successfully.

Two modules focusing on tourism development will be offered to deal specifically with sustainability, the various impacts associated with tourism developments as well as the effect of crises on the tourism industry. These aspects are important to ensure the sustainable development of tourism destinations.

The qualification has a strong focus on tourism management including various components that is important within strategic management.

Country: Australia
Institution: Business Institute of Australia
Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management
NQF Level 6
Purpose:
The qualification is offered at NQF Level 6, a level lower than the proposed qualification. It focuses on developing managerial skills and enhancing knowledge of industry operations within the travel and tourism sector that is comparable to this qualification.

Comparison:
Both qualifications offer job opportunities within the tourism sector at destinations visitor information centres and tourism businesses. The Advanced Diploma of Travel and Tourism and South African qualification align well in the offering of management, marketing, sustainability and legal/ regulatory modules. These modules support learners' knowledge and understanding of the operational complexities within a tourism establishment and are therefore a good comparison.

Conclusion:
The qualification compares favourably with the above qualifications in terms of the content offered with a brief synopsis of similarities and differences offered this qualification is informed by the analysis of the curriculum design of the above qualifications, in terms of modules, the module contents, as well as the balance between theory and practice.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism Management, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Tourism Studies, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Management, NQF level 8.

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Tourism Management, NQF level 8.

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Tourism Management, NQF Level 8.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

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LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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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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