Travel & Tourism is an exciting and career-focused subject that explores one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries. This course is ideal for students who are interested in global cultures, customer service, and the business of travel. It combines academic study with practical insight, preparing students for a wide range of opportunities in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors.

What will you study?

Students follow the Edexcel/Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate in Travel & Tourism, which includes:

Core Units:

• Unit 1: The World of Travel and Tourism (externally assessed)
  Explore the structure of the industry, key organisations, and global trends

• Unit 2: Global Destinations (externally assessed)
  Investigate popular destinations and plan travel itineraries

• Unit 3: Managing the Customer Experience
  Understand customer service and how to meet diverse needs

• Unit 9: Visitor Attractions
  Examine how attractions are developed, managed, and marketed

Assessment

Assessment is a combination of coursework and external exams:

Extended Certificate: Equivalent to 1 A Level

• 50% external assessment
• 50% internally assessed coursework

Entry requirements

To study BTEC Travel & Tourism, students should have:

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 9–4 (or equivalent)
• Grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language is recommended

Enrichment opportunities

Students benefit from a range of enrichment activities, including:

• Visits to travel organisations, airlines, and visitor attractions
• An overseas trip to experience international tourism first-hand
• Guest speakers from the travel and hospitality industries
• Work experience placements in tourism-related settings

These experiences help students apply their learning in real-world contexts and develop valuable skills in communication, planning, and customer service.

Progression and careers

Studying Travel & Tourism opens doors to a wide range of university courses and career pathways, including:

• Tourism Management, Hospitality, Event Planning, and Aviation
• Careers in travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and cruise lines
• Higher-level apprenticeships and international employment opportunities

“I chose Travel and Tourism because I was interested in the subject and it's an area I'm considering for a future career. I enjoy the independence of the course and the variety of topics we cover—from global destinations to customer service. The small class size means we all support each other, and the trips we go on really bring the subject to life. It’s helped me build confidence and develop skills I know I’ll use in the future.”
— Jasmine Chan