Globalisation and tourism — WJEC-CBAC Other General Qualification Travel & Tourism Revision

    Globalisation in tourism refers to the increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and societies, leading to a more integrated global travel indu

    Topic Synopsis

    Globalisation in tourism refers to the increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and societies, leading to a more integrated global travel industry. This subtopic examines how globalisation drives tourism development through infrastructure, technology, and cultural exchange, and critically evaluates the influence of multinational corporations such as hotel chains and tour operators. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for analysing contemporary issues in travel and tourism, from economic dependency to environmental impacts.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Globalisation and tourism

    WJEC-CBAC
    vocational

    Globalisation in tourism refers to the increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and societies, leading to a more integrated global travel industry. This subtopic examines how globalisation drives tourism development through infrastructure, technology, and cultural exchange, and critically evaluates the influence of multinational corporations such as hotel chains and tour operators. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for analysing contemporary issues in travel and tourism, from economic dependency to environmental impacts.

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    Learning Outcomes
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    Assessment Guidance
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    Key Skills
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    Key Terms
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    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    Contemporary Issues in Travel and Tourism

    Topic Overview

    Contemporary Issues in Travel and Tourism explores the dynamic challenges and opportunities facing the global travel industry today. This topic examines how external factors—such as climate change, overtourism, political instability, and technological disruption—shape the decisions of tourists, businesses, and destinations. For A-Level students, understanding these issues is crucial because they directly impact the sustainability, profitability, and future direction of the sector. The topic also encourages critical thinking about how stakeholders respond to change, making it highly relevant for exams and real-world careers.

    Within the WJEC-CBAC specification, this unit builds on foundational knowledge of the travel and tourism industry structure, including types of tourism, the role of tour operators, and destination management. It requires students to analyse case studies from the UK and abroad, evaluating how contemporary issues affect different sectors (e.g., transport, accommodation, attractions). Mastery of this topic demonstrates an ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios—a key skill for achieving top marks in essays and data response questions.

    Why does this matter? The travel and tourism industry contributes over £200 billion to the UK economy and employs millions. Yet it faces existential threats from climate change and pandemics, alongside rapid digital transformation. By studying contemporary issues, students gain insight into how the industry must adapt to survive and thrive. This knowledge is not only exam-relevant but also prepares students for university courses in tourism management, geography, or business, and for careers in destination marketing, policy-making, or sustainable tourism consultancy.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Sustainability: The balance between economic, social, and environmental impacts. Students must understand the triple bottom line and how destinations implement sustainable practices (e.g., carrying capacity, eco-certification).
    • →Overtourism: When visitor numbers exceed a destination's capacity, causing negative effects like congestion, environmental damage, and resident resentment. Examples include Venice, Barcelona, and the Lake District.
    • →Technological disruption: How online travel agents (OTAs), sharing economy platforms (e.g., Airbnb), and AI (e.g., chatbots, dynamic pricing) are changing consumer behaviour and industry structure.
    • →Political and economic factors: Brexit, terrorism, pandemics (e.g., COVID-19), and currency fluctuations can dramatically alter travel patterns. Students should be able to discuss the impact on inbound and outbound tourism for the UK.
    • →Ethical tourism: Issues such as animal welfare, child protection, and fair wages. This includes concepts like voluntourism and the need for responsible marketing.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Define globalisation in the context of tourism
    • Analyse the effects of globalisation on tourism development
    • Evaluate the role of multinational corporations in tourism

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for accurately defining globalisation with reference to tourism, such as the removal of barriers to travel and the homogenisation of tourist experiences.
    • Credit should be given for analysing at least two positive and two negative effects of globalisation on tourism development, like increased accessibility versus cultural erosion.
    • For evaluation of MNCs, expect balanced arguments considering economic benefits (job creation, foreign investment) against criticisms (leakage, standardisation).
    • Marks are available for using relevant, up-to-date examples to demonstrate the role of multinational corporations in shaping global tourism patterns.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Use specific case studies of MNCs (e.g., TUI, Marriott) to illustrate points on globalisation's effects and demonstrate application.
    • 💡Structure evaluation using frameworks like PESTLE or SWOT to show systematic analysis of the impacts of globalisation.
    • 💡Ensure definitions are precise and contextualised within travel and tourism, linking globalisation to current industry trends.
    • 💡Balance your response by considering both the opportunities and challenges posed by globalisation, and always support arguments with evidence.
    • 💡Use specific, up-to-date examples to illustrate your points. For instance, mention the impact of the UK's COVID-19 traffic light system or the 2022 heatwave on domestic tourism. Examiners reward relevant, recent case studies that show you understand current affairs.
    • 💡When evaluating, always consider multiple stakeholders: tourists, local residents, businesses, governments, and the environment. A top-band answer will discuss conflicting interests, such as the tension between economic growth and environmental protection.
    • 💡Structure your essays with clear paragraphs: point, evidence, explanation, and link back to the question. For 'discuss' or 'evaluate' questions, ensure you present both sides of an argument before reaching a justified conclusion.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Confusing globalisation with internationalisation; failing to distinguish between globalisation as a process and its manifestations in tourism.
    • Overlooking the negative sociocultural impacts of globalisation on host communities, such as loss of authenticity.
    • Describing MNCs without evaluating their power or influence, or only focusing on economic aspects while ignoring environmental/social responsibilities.
    • Using outdated or generic examples that do not reflect contemporary MNC strategies in travel and tourism.
    • Misconception: Sustainability only means environmental protection. Correction: Sustainability also includes social and economic dimensions (people, planet, profit). For example, a sustainable tourism project must benefit local communities and be economically viable, not just reduce carbon emissions.
    • Misconception: Overtourism is only a problem in foreign cities like Barcelona. Correction: Overtourism also affects UK destinations such as the Lake District, Edinburgh, and Cornwall, especially during peak seasons. Students should consider both domestic and international examples.
    • Misconception: Technology always benefits the tourism industry. Correction: While technology improves efficiency and customer experience, it can also lead to job losses (e.g., automated check-ins), data privacy concerns, and the decline of traditional travel agents. A balanced evaluation is needed.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Understanding of the structure of the UK travel and tourism industry (e.g., public, private, voluntary sectors).
    • •Basic knowledge of tourism impacts (economic, environmental, social) from earlier units.
    • •Familiarity with key terminology such as 'destination', 'tour operator', 'carrying capacity', and 'multiplier effect'.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Globalisation: increased mobility, standardisation, cultural exchange
    • Effects: homogenisation, local culture erosion, economic dependency
    • MNCs: hotel chains, tour operators, airlines

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