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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Tourism Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97113  Diploma in Tourism Management 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 11 - Services  Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
87144  National Diploma: Tourism Management  Level 6  NQF Level 06  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Diploma in Tourism Management is to equip registered tourism learners with applied technical, managerial, operational and professional competencies required for effective participation in the tourism sector. The qualification prepares learners to support the planning, coordination and management of tourism products, services and enterprise operations in a dynamic and service-oriented environment.

Qualifying learners will develop knowledge and understanding of tourism operations, destination management, tourism marketing, customer service, sustainable tourism practices, travel planning, event coordination, business management and communication within tourism contexts.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Apply this knowledge to plan itineraries.
  • Support tourism services.
  • Engage with stakeholders.
  • Use relevant information and digital tools.
  • Respond to operational and customer-related challenges in tourism enterprises.

    The qualification benefits learners by improving their employability, supporting entrepreneurial opportunities, and enabling progression to further study in tourism and related fields. Graduates are expected to demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, accountability, adaptability, customer orientation, effective communication, teamwork, responsible citizenship and an understanding of sustainable tourism practices that contribute to communities, enterprises and the broader tourism sector.

    Rationale:
    The qualification seeks to address the need for suitably skilled graduates who can contribute to the tourism sector through applied tourism knowledge, operational competence, customer service, business awareness and entrepreneurial capability. The qualification responds to the need for learners who can participate effectively in travel, tourism, hospitality-related services, destination support, events, reservations and tourism enterprise environments. It further supports individuals already working in the sector, as well as those aspiring to enter the tourism industry, by providing structured academic and practical preparation aligned with industry needs.

    Although related qualifications exist within the tourism and hospitality field, this qualification is not presented as a duplication of an already registered qualification on the NQF. It is positioned as a Nelson Mandela University qualification with its own curriculum structure, 360-credit weighting, tourism management focus, business-oriented knowledge base and work-integrated learning component. The qualification therefore offers a distinct institutional response to the need for applied tourism management education and progression within the higher education qualifications framework.

    The qualification benefits the tourism sector by preparing graduates who can support service delivery, travel operations, destination-related activities, tourism marketing, event coordination, reservations, customer relations and sustainable tourism practices. It benefits society by widening access to tourism-related employment, supporting youth and working learners, and encouraging responsible participation in communities affected by tourism activity. It benefits the economy by contributing to skills development, employability, enterprise creation and improved productivity within tourism and related service industries.

    The typical learners for this qualification include recent school leavers who meet the admission requirements for diploma studies, working individuals in tourism or related service environments, career changers seeking entry into the tourism sector, aspiring entrepreneurs, and learners who wish to progress to further studies in tourism management, hospitality, business or related fields. These learners are generally seeking practical, business-oriented and industry-relevant preparation for employment, self-employment or further academic progression.

    Qualifying learners may operate in tourism and hospitality-related environments such as travel services, tour operations, reservations, guest relations, tourism marketing, destination support, event coordination, customer service, local tourism offices and tourism enterprise administration. Typical occupational roles may include travel consultant, tour planner or tour operator assistant, reservations agent, guest relations officer, destination marketing assistant, event coordinator or assistant, tourism operations assistant, local tourism officer, and entrepreneur in tourism-related services. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    In line with the national RPL Policy and the institution's Policy, admission through the RPL route is limited to a maximum of 10% of the total learner intake for a qualification cohort.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for 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 credit:
  • 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 formal, 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:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Tourism Management, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 and 6, totalling 360 Credits.

    Year 1:
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Introduction to Marketing, 12 Credits.
  • Economics, 24 Credits.
  • End-user Computing, 12 Credits.
  • Business Accounting, 12 Credits.
  • Communication in English A, 24 Credits.
  • Introduction to Logistics, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Management, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Tourism, 12 Credits.

    Year 2:
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Travel and Tourism Practice II, 24 Credits.
  • Marketing, 24 Credits.
  • Management, 12 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management, 12 Credits.
  • Tourism Development, 24 Credits.
  • Commercial Law, 24 Credits.

    Year 3:
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Travel and Tourism Practice III, 24 Credits.
  • Marketing for Tourism, 24 Credits.
  • Tourism Management, 24 Credits.
  • Tourism Development, 24 Credits.
  • Tourism Work-integrated Learning, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply tourism management principles to support the planning, development and promotion of tourism products, services and destinations in changing tourism environments and niche markets.
    2. Gather, analyse and apply tourism information to support planning, decision-making and management responses within the tourism industry.
    3. Demonstrate practical and professional service skills required to plan, organise and deliver tourism-related services, events, tours and travel experiences.
    4. Perform technical, operational and administrative tasks required to support effective functioning within a tourism enterprise. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply sustainable tourism planning strategies at national, provincial, regional and local levels.
  • Explain core concepts relating to tourism operations, travel planning, destination management and destination marketing.
  • Analyse the interrelationship between tourism services, including accommodation, transport, attractions, events and support services.
  • Apply business, marketing, financial and human resource principles to support tourism enterprise operations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Collect relevant tourism market, customer, destination and operational information from appropriate sources.
  • Analyse tourism information to identify trends, needs, risks, opportunities and management implications.
  • Interpret analysed information to support tourism planning, operational decision-making and customer-focused management responses.
  • Present findings and recommendations in a clear, structured and professionally appropriate format.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Organise tourism-related events and conferences in accordance with client, operational and service requirements.
  • Formulate detailed itineraries and tour packages for different tourist profiles and travel contexts.
  • Calculate international airfares and prepare air tickets in accordance with applicable travel and tourism procedures.
  • Conduct tours in local regions and environments using appropriate guiding, interpretation and customer service practices.
  • Develop and present a professional portfolio to support placement, co-operative education and career development in the tourism industry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Produce a reflective and critical report on experience and competencies acquired in a co-operative education or tourism workplace context.
  • Prepare and present professional reports, proposals, itineraries and operational documents used in tourism enterprise contexts.
  • Communicate clearly and professionally in verbal, written and digital formats with tourists, colleagues, service providers and other stakeholders.
  • Use appropriate tourism industry terminology, etiquette, administrative procedures and digital tools to support enterprise operations.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The learner's ability to integrate the elements of the qualification is assessed through case studies, projects, presentations, portfolios, tests and formal examinations.

    The purpose of these assessments will be two-fold:
    Formative and diagnostic, to provide feedback to learners on progress made and to lecturers to facilitate improved learning and integration of learning material across modules. The exact percentage breakdown between formative and summative assessments for the qualification is not publicly specified. However, at a departmental level, the department utilises both formative and summative assessments, with formative assessments (class tests and integrated assignments) contributing up to 40% of the final mark. Summative assessment, in the form of a 2-3 hour written examination, makes up the remaining 60%.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessments in the qualification are designed to develop and monitor learners' learning throughout the semester. These assessments are non-exam, continuous assessment tasks that provide feedback to both learners and lecturers about progress toward learning outcomes.

    Summative Assessment:
    The qualification, summative assessments are formal evaluations conducted at the end of a learning period (e.g., term or module) to assess whether learners have achieved the required learning outcomes. These assessments typically contribute significantly to the final module mark and are used for progression and certification decisions. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification was compared with similar qualifications from New Zealand and Singapore.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution name: Otago Polytechnic
    Qualification title: New Zealand Diploma in Tourism and Travel (Level 5)
    Credits: 120 Credits.
    Duration: One year full-time.
    Entry requirements:
    The entry requirement is a minimum NCEA Level 2 qualification, including literacy credits, or an equivalent qualification. NCEA Level 3 is preferred. International learners are required to meet equivalent academic and English language requirements.

    Purpose:
    The qualification prepares learners for supervisory positions in the tourism and travel industry by developing their ability to support and enhance the visitor experience and evaluate local, national and international tourism operating environments. It is centred on broad management skills, sustainability and practical engagement with the tourism industry.

    Qualification structure:
    Curriculum content:
    The curriculum includes Communications Practice in Tourism, Developing People in the Tourism Industry, Tourism Industry Principles, Destination Investigation, Marketing in Tourism, Tourism Business Development, Fundamentals of Finance and Quality Assurance in Tourism, and Tourism Event Planning. These areas compare well with the Nelson Mandela University curriculum, which includes tourism practice, tourism management, tourism development, marketing, management, human resource management, commercial law and work-integrated learning.

    Assessment:
    The qualification includes applied learning linked to industry practice, including field-based engagement with a New Zealand tourism destination.

    Articulation:
    Graduates may progress into the second year of the Bachelor of Applied Management or into other relevant industry or professional qualifications at Level 6 or above.
    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are diploma-level qualifications in the tourism and travel field.
  • Both qualifications include tourism operations, tourism principles, tourism marketing, destination-related learning, communication and tourism business development.
  • Both qualifications emphasise applied learning, sustainability, visitor experience and industry relevance.

    Differences:
  • The Otago Polytechnic qualification is a 120-credit, one-year diploma, while the Nelson Mandela University qualification is a 360-credit qualification with a broader curriculum structure.
  • The Otago Polytechnic qualification includes New Zealand-specific tourism values and local destination learning, while the Nelson Mandela University qualification is located within the South African higher education and tourism context.

    Country: Singapore
    Institution name: Management Development Institute of Singapore
    Qualification title: International Foundation Diploma in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management
    Credits: Not specified.
    Duration: Seven months full-time or twelve months part-time.
    Entry requirements:
    The qualification is positioned for local and international applicants seeking entry into travel, tourism and hospitality studies. Its focus on foundational preparation is broadly comparable to the Nelson Mandela University qualification's access pathway into diploma-level tourism management studies.

    Purpose:
    The qualification is designed to equip aspiring professionals with foundational knowledge and practical skills for careers in travel, tourism and hospitality. It prepares learners for entry-level positions or increased responsibilities in the sector and provides formal recognition of professional skills for individuals already working in the industry without formal training.

    Qualification structure:
    Curriculum content:
    The curriculum includes best industry practices, operational insights into travel, tourism and hospitality, field trips, hands-on practicum and training in a realistic hotel environment through the institution's Hospitality Training Centre.

    Assessment:
    Assessment is based on written examinations, assignments, presentations and projects.

    Articulation:
    The qualification provides a pathway into higher-level tourism and hospitality qualifications, including progression routes toward degree and postgraduate study through the institution's programme pathway.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications focus on travel, tourism and hospitality-related knowledge and skills.
  • Both qualifications prepare learners for employment or progression in tourism and related service industries.
  • Both qualifications include practical learning, industry exposure and assessment through assignments, presentations, projects and examinations.

    Differences:
  • The Management Development Institute of Singapore qualification is a foundation diploma, while the Nelson Mandela University qualification is a 360-credit Diploma at NQF Level 6.
  • The Management Development Institute of Singapore qualification has a stronger hospitality and foundation-level orientation, whereas the Nelson Mandela University qualification has a broader tourism management, tourism development, marketing, management and work-integrated learning structure.

    Conclusion:
    The international comparison indicates that the Nelson Mandela University Diploma in Tourism Management is broadly comparable with selected international tourism and travel qualifications in terms of tourism operations, marketing, communication, visitor experience, sustainability, practical learning, assessment and progression. The qualification differs mainly in credit volume, duration and South African contextual focus, but remains aligned with international trends in applied tourism education and industry-oriented preparation. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Public Relations, NQF Level 6.
  • There are currently no registered horizontal articulation possibilities between Sub-Frameworks for this qualification.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation
  • Occupational Certificate: Marketing Coordinator, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Nelson Mandela University 


    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.