Tourism & Ecotourism Level 5

Programme Progression 

 On completion of this programme learners will have the skills and knowledge to independently and effectively carry out a range of information, administrative and service functions in a broad range of tourism, ecotourism and environmental related organisations.

There is also the option to progress to further education or training in such areas as tourism marketing, event management, environmental sciences, cultural enterprises.

Entry Requirements  

Education: No formal education or qualifications are required although applicants may have participated in primary and secondary education. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a standard of knowledge, skill and competence equivalent to NFQ Level 4 when accessing this programme.

Aptitude: Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.

Previous Experience: Applicants must be able to demonstrate a broad range of knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the course and be able to exercise initiative and independence when carrying out course activities.

Course Content  

Further Details   

Below is a more detailed description of each of the Components

Tourism Principles and Practice

Students will look at the different types of tourism i.e. staycation, business and leisure and how tourism has an impact on local and national levels.  Examine in detail the Irish tourist market, its appeal, promotion, attractions and history. Also examine ways in which we can promote Ireland as a tourist attraction and attract new visitors.

Tourism Information and Administration

Enable the learner to gain a better understanding of the process involved in the completing of a reservation including different methods of reservation, for example, online, using tour operators. Be aware of the various administrative tasks of the front office/desk to include selling tours, catering for special requirements, customer service skills.

Ecotourism

Ecotourism is a form of tourism, involving fragile and natural areas. The principles of ecotourism will be explored in the context and relevance in Ireland’s tourist industry. This module will equip you with the knowledge needed to understand responsible policies and their implementation to areas such as energy, waste, water, green purchasing, wildlife and biodiversity. A focus on socially responsible behaviour, and environmental sustainability will be examined. Explain the principles of conservation as it relates to ecotourism attractions and develop an understanding of ‘leave no trace’ ethics. Identify ways in which ecotourism products can be marketed to promote responsible tourism, e.g. eco-labelling.

Environmental Studies

The Environmental Studies module is ideal for newcomers to the study of the environment. You will learn how the planet earth functions, of how humans interact with the planet and  ways to address the causes and put forward solutions to present day environmental problems. Examine a range of national environmental issues including euthrophication of inland waters, waste, the urban environment, transport, climate change, greenhouse gases, conservation and the protection of natural resources. Regulation and legislation, both regionally, nationally and internationally are all important in how to address the causes of these problems and will be discussed.

Customer Service

The learner will gain a good understanding of all features of customer service including good first impressions, understanding and responding to customers’ needs.  They will also learn how to deal effectively with customers by improving their listening skills, the importance of positive body language and understanding the significance of working as part of a team.

Mathematics

The main focus is to facilitate the learner in their progression of using maths for work and everyday life. Some of the topics to be examined include, statistics and probability, basic algebra, graphs, and trigonometry. The basics of the above topics will be examined with the emphasis on applying them as much as possible to a variety of real life situations. Some examples would include; presenting data information in a range of graph types and tabular forms, explore the uses of trigonometry in everyday life such as navigation, taking basic algebra and its application to business.

Microsoft Word   

Use Microsoft Word to create a range of documents. Apply a variety of text processing features including margins, line spacing, indenting text and paragraphs, borders and shading, numbering and bullets, tabs, tables mail merge and labels.  Use spell-check, thesaurus, find and replace, to produce high quality, error free documents.  Learn file management skills – creating folders, saving files in different formats, copying files and folders, renaming files.  Improve personal performance by using the help facility to solve word processing problems.

Work Experience

Students must find work placement in a suitable warehousing and logistics setting. Work-experience classes prepare the student to apply for work placement and future work by learning skills, producing  a cover letter, CV and interview techniques. Students will also gain an understanding of their own skills and qualities, as well as how to document their learning during placement. This is an essential module for anybody wishing to prepare for or return to the workplace.