Travel Professional

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.

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.

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.

• Use a range of resources to research, locate and access destination information in order to make relevant travel recommendations.
• 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.
• Interpret and communicate to the customer the rules and regulations as well as terms and conditions that apply to a specific reservation.