What should I focus on for OTHM Qualifications Vocationally-Related Qualification Travel & Tourism?

Always illustrate answers with specific tourism and hospitality examples, such as a hotel chain or tour operator, to demonstrate applied understanding.

What should I focus on for OTHM Qualifications Vocationally-Related Qualification Travel & Tourism? (2)

Use diagrams or models (e.g., organisational charts, PESTLE) to structure analysis clearly.

What should I focus on for OTHM Qualifications Vocationally-Related Qualification Travel & Tourism? (3)

When discussing performance, link metrics to both internal efficiencies and external benchmarks.

What should I focus on for OTHM Qualifications Vocationally-Related Qualification Travel & Tourism? (4)

Prepare to compare and contrast different leadership styles with a critical evaluation of their suitability.

What should I focus on for OTHM Qualifications Vocationally-Related Qualification Travel & Tourism? (5)

Structure your analysis around a recognised framework (e.g., PESTLE) to ensure comprehensive coverage of political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors.

What are common mistakes in OTHM Qualifications Vocationally-Related Qualification Travel & Tourism?

Confusing leadership with management functions, rather than distinguishing their distinct roles.

What are common mistakes in OTHM Qualifications Vocationally-Related Qualification Travel & Tourism? (2)

Providing a descriptive summary of the external environment without linking it to organisational performance.

What are common mistakes in OTHM Qualifications Vocationally-Related Qualification Travel & Tourism? (3)

Overlooking the internal structural elements that mediate environmental impacts.

Travel & Tourism

OTHM Qualifications

Vocational

Specification: 603/2315/2

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

146

Exam Tips

147

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

What Gets Top Grades

Distinction / Top Band

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

OTHM Qualifications

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing leadership with management functions, rather than distinguishing their distinct roles.
•Providing a descriptive summary of the external environment without linking it to organisational performance.
•Overlooking the internal structural elements that mediate environmental impacts.
•Failing to use theoretical frameworks (e.g., SWOT, PESTLE) to support analysis.
•Confusing contemporary issues with short-term fads, failing to demonstrate sustained influence on industry development.
•Describing impacts superficially without balancing positive and negative consequences across different stakeholder groups.
•Neglecting to link change management theories (e.g., Lewin’s model) to practical implementation in tourism/hospitality contexts.
•Plagiarism due to poor referencing.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Always illustrate answers with specific tourism and hospitality examples, such as a hotel chain or tour operator, to demonstrate applied understanding.
•Use diagrams or models (e.g., organisational charts, PESTLE) to structure analysis clearly.
•When discussing performance, link metrics to both internal efficiencies and external benchmarks.
•Prepare to compare and contrast different leadership styles with a critical evaluation of their suitability.
•Structure your analysis around a recognised framework (e.g., PESTLE) to ensure comprehensive coverage of political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors.
•Integrate real-world case studies, such as the impact of COVID-19 on hospitality or overtourism in Barcelona, to substantiate arguments and show applied knowledge.
•Plan your research before writing.
•Use a range of academic sources.

Specification Topics

5 topics

OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management

This subtopic examines organisational behaviour within the tourism and hospitality sector, focusing on how internal structures, external environments, and leadership influence performance. Learners will explore analytical frameworks to assess organisational objectives and operational contexts, applying this understanding to real-world hospitality scenarios. Practical application involves diagnosing performance issues and recommending improvements based on a systematic evaluation of internal and external factors.

Organisational Behaviour and Performance, Researching Tourism and Hospitality Management, Strategic Marketing +3 more

0 objectives25 tips24 pitfalls6 subtopics

OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management

This subtopic explores the dynamic forces reshaping the tourism and hospitality sector, including sustainability imperatives, digital disruption, geopolitical shifts, and evolving consumer behaviours. Learners critically analyse how these contemporary issues drive strategic responses and innovation, ensuring industry resilience and long-term viability. Assessment requires evidence of applied understanding through case studies and current data.

Contemporary Issues in Tourism and Hospitality, Digital Marketing Management for Tourism and Hospitality, Management Accounting +3 more

0 objectives21 tips23 pitfalls6 subtopics

OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management

This topic covers the purpose of academic research and writing, how to conduct research, critical thinking, and constructing valid arguments.

Academic Writing and Research Skills, Business Environment for Tourism and Hospitality , Events Management +3 more

0 objectives20 tips20 pitfalls6 subtopics

OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management

This element develops learners' ability to conduct rigorous academic research and produce scholarly writing within the context of travel, tourism, and hospitality management. It equips students with skills to formulate research questions, evaluate sources, apply critical thinking, and construct evidence-based arguments essential for higher-level study and professional practice.

Academic Writing and Research Skills, The Development of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, The Management of Human Resources +9 more

0 objectives54 tips54 pitfalls12 subtopics

OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management

This subtopic equips learners with the critical agility to deconstruct research paradigms and apply robust methodologies to complex tourism and hospitality problems. It bridges philosophical foundations with practical project design to foster evidence-based decision-making in both academic and industry contexts.

Advanced Research Methods , Destination Management, Digital Tourism and Hospitality +3 more

0 objectives26 tips26 pitfalls6 subtopics

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