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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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Diploma in Tourism Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
83188  Diploma in Tourism Management 
ORIGINATOR
Prestige Academy (Pty) Ltd 
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  375  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2020-09-29 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2021-09-29   2026-09-29  

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
117883  Diploma in Tourism Management  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The Diploma: Tourism Management is a qualification in its own right and can be classified as a career-orientated or vocational qualification. The qualification is in line with the requirements for registration of qualifications on the NQF, classified under the broad field of Business, Economics and Management Studies.

The programme has been designed to equip candidates with focused knowledge which includes the ability to apply knowledge within the workplace context, such as tourism marketing and visitor attraction management. The syllabus provides for a depth and specialisation of knowledge which prepares candidates for entry into the tourism service industry, e.g. by incorporating studies in tourism development, finance and funding, and tourism management practice.

The ideal candidate is a student with a National Senior Certificate qualification, or equivalent who wishes to acquire a formal qualification to enter the tourism and travel management industry. Once qualified the graduate may choose between a range of career options. This qualification enables candidates to find employment as tour operators, travel agents, tour guides, guest house/hotel managers, tourism event organisers, either within a relevant organisation or company, or through his/her own business enterprise.

The duration of the programme is three years of full-time study. The programme has clearly stipulated admission requirements, entry and exit points as well as standards of competence specified by performance-based learning outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The content is structured around core and elective modules, each with a specified credit value at the basic, intermediate and first advanced level respectively.

Rationale:

This programme addresses the human resource development needs of the country. There is a growing need for graduates with a qualification in tourism and travel management. The local tourism and hospitality industry is one of the fastest growing industries and major contributors to the economic activities of South Africa. For the African continent as a whole there was a growth of 5% in number of international tourists during 2009, despite the current global economic recession.

South Africa is known for its vibrant tourism industry, attracting clients from across the globe, motivated by a diversity of tourist attractions, including many cultural and historical places such as Robin Island, scenic holiday resorts, unique African wildlife and popular national and private game parks.

At the global Tourism Indaba at Sandton in 2010, the State President declared the Government's desire for growth in the local tourism market. Expansion in tourism is likely to create a significant volume of new employment opportunities and at the same time ensure infrastructure development. According to experts every single international tourist creates about 7-8 new job opportunities.

There is a need for wider access to tourism management studies amongst students who do not meet the admission requirement for studies at a university. This programme enables such candidates to obtain a higher education qualification of high standard. Equity will be achieved by giving students from historically disadvantaged communities' wider access to these learning opportunities, and thus addressing imbalances of the past.

More specifically, this qualification is offered to candidates who:
  • Wish to be equipped with specialised knowledge and skills as well as practical hands-on experience to pursue a career as tourism and travel manager.
  • Seek a learning programme that is tailor-made for the needs of the range of companies and organisations involved in tourism services, either as the major role-player or in a supporting capacity.
  • Wish to combine a wide variety of skills in this particular field of work.
  • Were previously disadvantaged in some or other way, including being denied access to formal education and training.
  • Have worked as tourism and travel managers for many years but have no formal qualification which limits job promotion and security of income.
  • Wish to get recognition for relevant prior learning and achieve a formal qualification that makes it easier to move up the value chain.
  • Have recently left school after acquiring a National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification.
  • Do not meet entry qualifications into other higher education institutions (universities), but still have the need to obtain a formal qualification aligned with the NQF.
  • Wish to obtain an advanced qualification in this particular field that will enable them to continue with a further related qualification at a higher level. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 4.
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The programme allows for open access; therefore provision should be made for prior learning to be recognised so that candidates have the opportunity to gain access to the programme, obtain the qualification in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning process, or obtain advanced placement in the prescribed learning programme. Recognition of Prior Learning candidates must demonstrate competence in respect of certain specified knowledge, skills and/or attitudes pertaining to this programme.

    Through Recognition of Prior Learning, such candidates also have the opportunity to enter into more advanced programmes sooner and further their studies to acquire additional qualifications compared to the state of affairs at the point of applying for Recognition of Prior Learning.

    The specific form of assessment to determine the extent of Recognition of Prior Learning will depend on evidence produced by each individual applicant. In case of the applicant not being able to produce a certificate of credits gained, the assessment will at least involve the presentation of a portfolio of practical work as demonstration of applied knowledge and skills. Part of the requirements in case of application for Recognition of Prior Learning is that the candidate must fill out a questionnaire accompanied by a portfolio of evidence of prior learning. All necessary particulars are indicated in the Recognition of Prior Learning Guide issued to applicants.

    Access to the Qualification:

    The qualification is for all applicants who meet the stated entry requirements and who have been employed or involved in or would like to enter the field or tourism and travel management. There are no restrictions based on language preference, culture, race, gender, or religious orientation. The minimum entry qualification is a National Senior Certificate (NSC), National Certificate (Vocational), or equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    In order to be credited with this qualification, candidates are required to meet the following condition:
  • Credits at NQF Level 5: 120 Credits.
  • Credits at NQF Level 6: 175 Credits.
  • Credits at NQF Level 7: 80 Credits.

    Total Credits: 375 Credits.

    Modules:

    NQF Level 5:
  • Tourism Context 112, 20 credits.
  • Tourism Development 112, 15 credits.
  • Tourism Management Practice 122, 15 credits.
  • Tourism Marketing 122,15 credits.
  • Finance and Funding 122, 15 credits.
  • Visitor Attraction Management 122, 20 credits.
  • Management Perspectives 112, 20 credits.

    NQF Level 6:
  • Tourism Development 212, 15 credits.
  • Tourism Management Practice 222, 15 credits.
  • Tourism Marketing 221, 10 credits.
  • Finance and Funding 221, 10 credits.
  • Visitor Attraction Management 222, 15 credits.
  • Management Perspectives 212, 20 credits.
  • Industry Experience 223, 40 credits.
  • Tourism Development 312, 15 credits.
  • Tourism Management Practice 322, 15credits.
  • Research 322, 20 credits.

    NQF Level 7:
  • Industry Experience 323, 80 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conceptualise the scope, features and work environment related to tourism management.

    2. Plan and implement tourism marketing, public relations and promotions activities.

    3. Apply quality professional service in travel and tourism management. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explain contemporary issues and describe the key role players and their respective responsibilities in the tourism environment.
  • Describe the travel and tourism development trends and issues, including tourism development planning, the development manager and tourism entrepreneurs.
  • Explain the principles, scope and possibilities of entrepreneurship, including the development of business ventures and draw up a business plan to exploit potential business opportunities.
  • Generate plans aimed at exploring and developing new areas of tourism business using strategic thinking and entrepreneurial knowledge.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Explain the use of variety of support and allied services as an integral part of tourism management.
  • Execute basic finance and funding tasks applicable to tourism management.
  • Explain the purpose, requirements and procedures related to management and leadership as applied to travel and tourism management.
  • Discuss the challenges and processes associated with the tourism workplace and include effective means of addressing a variety of common challenges in industry.
  • Explain the role of research and its application in the travel and tourism industry.
  • Conduct a research project relevant to the developing tourism industry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Explain the essential principles, concepts and processes associated with professional and effective tourism management.
    > Range: Tourism public relations and promotion, marketing in tourism, tourism destinations, hospitality management, finance and funding, as well as law and ethics applicable to travel and tourism.
  • Apply the principles, strategies and procedures of travel and tourism management to areas such as visitor attraction management, hospitality management and travel and tourism marketing.
  • Apply management skills in the hospitality workplace environment including visitor attractions.
  • Behave in a professional manner that displays a code of ethical conduct when dealing with customers and colleagues.
  • Describe and comply with relevant current laws regulating the travel and tourism industry.
  • Display sensitivity to the expectations and requirements of different stakeholders, including all tourists, in the tourism industry.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Assessment is conducted throughout the duration of the programme as a mechanism to monitor learning progress, identify weak points or limitations and give guidance to individual students towards further learning and professional development (formative assessment). Summative assessment emphasises measuring the ability of the learner to integrate knowledge and skills from different related modules (using cognitive skills of application, analysis and synthesis) and is carried out at the end of each phase of learning.
  • Since the execution of job-related tasks require the integration of theory with the application of knowledge and skills, assessment practice will, as far as possible, be conducted along the same line. This means that assessment tools will be suitable to assess mastery of knowledge as well as skills together. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    United States of America:

    Florida International University's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management offers one of the highest rated hospitality and tourism programmes in the United States. The curriculum provides the specialised professional education to equip the student for a career in hospitality and tourism management. The curriculum is focused on Hospitality, with Tourism as a minor, covering the most important aspects such as Introduction to Tourism, destinations, International tourism and Cruiseline Operations and Management.

    Nigeria:

    The National Open University of Nigeria offers a BSc degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. This qualification offers same core content as the South African Diploma, although on a higher level.

    Mauritius:

    The University of Technology, Mauritius offers a Diploma in Tourism Management. It is a two-year Diploma designed to provide the Hospitality Industry with future management personnel. It combines hands-on practical experience with academic courses. This modular programme is specially designed for supervisors wishing to upgrade to middle management positions or middle managers who want to enhance their management knowledge and skills.

    The South African Diploma in Tourism Management meets all the requirements set for these qualifications, and encompasses these by adding entrepreneurial studies to prepare candidates for setting up an own business enterprise. Another unique feature is compulsory research on any relevant aspect of personal interest within the field of travel and tourism to be conducted during the third year of study. Part of the foundational knowledge for this is covered in the first year of study. Finally, the programme includes aspects of personal and professional development aimed developing managerial competence deemed necessary to make a success of a career in this field. This will develop an awareness of the necessity of professional development and lifelong learning. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally with:
  • Diploma: Marketing Management at Prestige Academy.
  • National Diploma: Event Management at Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

    This qualification articulates vertically with:
  • Bachelor of Technology: Tourism Management at UNISA. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    According to our Moderation Policy this Institution differentiates between three types of moderation: routine internal moderation, appeals moderation, and external moderation. The Policy sets clear parameters and conditions for moderation practice, including moderation principles, methods and procedures to be followed.

    Moderation practice at this Institution is a team effort. The planning, organisation, implementation and coordination of internal and external moderation is the responsibility of the Academic Manager, who also performs certain routine internal moderation tasks. Members of the academic staff who are accredited moderators make inputs in internal moderation as and when required. The Rector takes overall responsibility for institutional quality assurance, including internal and external moderation. He acts as verifier of moderation and assessment results in this regard.
    The general criteria for selection and appointment of moderators are:
  • A relevant qualification at one NQF Level higher than the qualification to be offered.
  • Complete documentary proof of all qualification(s).
  • A minimum of 2 two years occupational experience in industry. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors are appointed in line with the Institutional Assessment Policy, as well as the Quality Management Policy and performance framework of academic staff. Anyone acting as assessor of learning must meet specified requirements. These are:
  • Relevant formal education at the minimum required NQF Level for which evidence must be provided by way of certificates of qualification.
  • At least three years of relevant practical work experience in industry or a professional teacher qualification.
  • Formal training in outcome-based assessment leading to accreditation and registration as assessor. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    This qualification is now offered by Stadio (Pty) Ltd, and no longer by Prestige Academy (Pty) Ltd - effective 29 September 2020 

    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.
     
    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. Prestige Academy (Pty) Ltd 


    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.