What should I focus on for WJEC-CBAC A-Level Travel & Tourism?

For comparison questions, structure responses using a consistent framework: business model, pricing, target market, route network, and service level.

What should I focus on for WJEC-CBAC A-Level Travel & Tourism? (2)

When explaining airport functions, use a case study (e.g., Heathrow, Schiphol) to illustrate operational and commercial roles, earning higher marks for application.

What should I focus on for WJEC-CBAC A-Level Travel & Tourism? (3)

In deregulation analysis, link effects directly to stakeholders: consumers (lower fares), legacy carriers (hub-and-spoke dominance), and regional airports (traffic changes).

What should I focus on for WJEC-CBAC A-Level Travel & Tourism? (4)

Incorporate statistics or recent industry developments to demonstrate contemporary knowledge, which differentiates a top-band response.

What should I focus on for WJEC-CBAC A-Level Travel & Tourism? (5)

Use up-to-date industry case studies, e.g., TUI, Expedia, Hays Travel.

What are common mistakes in WJEC-CBAC A-Level Travel & Tourism?

Confusing low-cost carriers with charter airlines; students often assume both operate on a point-to-point model without recognising charter's package holiday link.

What are common mistakes in WJEC-CBAC A-Level Travel & Tourism? (2)

Describing airport functions only in terms of passenger check-in and security, overlooking cargo handling, maintenance services, and retail management.

What are common mistakes in WJEC-CBAC A-Level Travel & Tourism? (3)

Presenting deregulation as wholly positive or negative without acknowledging nuanced impacts on regional connectivity, labour practices, and service quality.

Travel & Tourism

WJEC-CBAC

A-Level

Specification: 500/5084/9

The WJEC-CBAC A-Level Travel & Tourism specification covers 6 topics with 0 learning objectives (500/5084/9). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

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

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

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

WJEC-CBAC

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 low-cost carriers with charter airlines; students often assume both operate on a point-to-point model without recognising charter's package holiday link.
•Describing airport functions only in terms of passenger check-in and security, overlooking cargo handling, maintenance services, and retail management.
•Presenting deregulation as wholly positive or negative without acknowledging nuanced impacts on regional connectivity, labour practices, and service quality.
•Using outdated examples or failing to differentiate between US and European deregulation timelines and outcomes.
•Confusing the roles: claiming travel agents create packages.
•Assuming all online travel companies are tour operators.
•Ignoring the continued relevance of travel agents for complex itineraries or face-to-face service.
•Oversimplifying the impact of online booking as purely negative for agents.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•For comparison questions, structure responses using a consistent framework: business model, pricing, target market, route network, and service level.
•When explaining airport functions, use a case study (e.g., Heathrow, Schiphol) to illustrate operational and commercial roles, earning higher marks for application.
•In deregulation analysis, link effects directly to stakeholders: consumers (lower fares), legacy carriers (hub-and-spoke dominance), and regional airports (traffic changes).
•Incorporate statistics or recent industry developments to demonstrate contemporary knowledge, which differentiates a top-band response.
•Use up-to-date industry case studies, e.g., TUI, Expedia, Hays Travel.
•Structure analysis with balanced arguments: benefits and challenges of online booking.
•Incorporate key terminology: vertical integration, dynamic packaging, OTAs, GDS.
•Reference current statistics on online vs. offline bookings for credibility.

Specification Topics

6 topics

The Travel and Tourism Industry

This subtopic examines the operational and commercial characteristics of scheduled, charter, and low-cost airlines, alongside the multifaceted functions of airports as transport hubs and economic drivers. It critically assesses how airline deregulation has reshaped market competition, pricing strategies, and route development, offering learners a practical understanding of the dynamic aviation sector within the travel and tourism industry.

Airlines and airports, Tour operators and travel agents, Accommodation sector +3 more

0 objectives23 tips23 pitfalls6 subtopics

Customer Service in Travel and Tourism

This subtopic examines how customer service approaches vary across diverse travel and tourism sectors such as transport, accommodation, and attractions, emphasizing the need to adapt to sector-specific expectations. It also explores the profound influence of cultural diversity on service delivery, requiring sensitivity and flexibility to meet global customer needs. Furthermore, it evaluates the critical role of accessibility and inclusivity in ensuring all customers, including those with disabilities or special requirements, receive equitable and high-quality service experiences.

Customer service in different contexts, Customer service skills and techniques, Principles of customer service +1 more

0 objectives13 tips14 pitfalls4 subtopics

Destination Management

This element explores the principles of sustainable development applied to tourist destinations, focusing on balancing visitor satisfaction with long-term environmental stewardship and community wellbeing. It examines the multifaceted impacts of tourism and the strategies employed by destination managers to mitigate negative effects while maximising positive contributions. Learners will critically evaluate practical management tools such as zoning, visitor dispersal, and carrying capacity assessments to foster resilient and regeneratively managed destinations.

Sustainable destination management, Destination marketing, Crisis and risk management in destinations +1 more

0 objectives16 tips16 pitfalls4 subtopics

Global Tourism

This subtopic examines the identification and analysis of emerging tourism destinations globally, focusing on the factors driving their growth such as improved connectivity, changing traveler preferences, and strategic marketing. It explores the multifaceted opportunities, including economic development and cultural exchange, alongside significant challenges like infrastructure strain and environmental impact, providing a foundation for evaluating sustainable tourism development in these regions.

Emerging destinations, Ethical tourism, Factors affecting global tourism demand +1 more

0 objectives15 tips15 pitfalls4 subtopics

Research in Travel and Tourism

This subtopic focuses on equipping learners with the skills to apply quantitative and qualitative analytical methods to tourism data, enabling them to uncover meaningful patterns and trends. It prepares students to critically evaluate data from diverse sources, such as visitor surveys, economic impacts, and digital analytics, to form evidence-based judgments. The ultimate goal is to transform raw data into actionable insights, supporting strategic decision-making in travel and tourism contexts.

Data analysis and interpretation, Research methods, Research applications in tourism

0 objectives10 tips10 pitfalls3 subtopics

Contemporary Issues in Travel and Tourism

This subtopic explores emerging patterns and innovations reshaping the travel industry, including technological advancements, demographic shifts, and changing consumer behaviours. It critically examines the escalating threat of climate change to tourism destinations and infrastructure, alongside the sector's contribution to carbon emissions. Learners will evaluate actionable sustainable practices and policy frameworks designed to secure a resilient and responsible tourism future.

Future of travel and tourism, Current issues and trends, Globalisation and tourism +1 more

0 objectives16 tips16 pitfalls4 subtopics

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Travel & Tourism WJEC-CBAC A-Level Topics & Revision

Topics Covered

Exam Tips for WJEC-CBAC A-Level Travel & Tourism

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Key Terms

Travel & Tourism

Ready to practise?

Key Features

What Gets Top Grades

Knowledge & Understanding

Application

Analysis & Evaluation

Key Command Words

Common Exam Mistakes

Top Examiner Tips

Specification Topics

The Travel and Tourism Industry

Customer Service in Travel and Tourism

Destination Management

Global Tourism

Research in Travel and Tourism

Contemporary Issues in Travel and Tourism

Ready to master Travel & Tourism?