This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit

basic research skills

communication skills to identify the information needs of customers and seek and provide feedback on international destinations specifically actively listening questioning and verbal summary of information

literacy skills to source read and interpret general information on destinations and complex information of specific health safety and regulatory issues that relate to international destinations

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit

general sources of information on regions and destinations

industry information networks

understanding of the ways in which customers seek information

formats and styles of information presentation including styles that cater for those with special needs eg presenting information in large print or providing information electronically

sources of information on current health and safety issues for the destination including travel warning advice issued for Australian travellers by the federal government and health advisory notices and vaccination information issued by local and international bodies

sources of information on regulatory issues for the destination including passport and visa requirements and restrictions for visiting that destination

ways that individuals update their knowledge in the tourism industry

breadth of international destination knowledge appropriate to the sector or specific workplace prevocational assessment must include coverage of all six continents the major regions and destinations found within

for each destination the depth of knowledge must cover

key information on geographical features of the destination including destination location climate and seasonal factors of the destination and its region and major geographical features of the destination and its region

key information on cultural and related features of the destination including major cities towns and tourist areas and precincts areas of environmental social or cultural significance or sensitivity major manmade tourist attractions major gateways for and transport networks within the destination and its region and very basic understanding of the history and cultural aspects of the host community including cultural mix and language spoken

key information on socioeconomic features of the destination including current state of the economy basis for the economy eg key industries and currency used

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this TrainingPackage

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential

ability to research current relevant and accurate information on international tourism destinations and the styles of product offered in those destinations

knowledge of current industry information networks and sources

ability to source and provide tailored international destination information and advice to meet the different requests of multiple customers covering a range of international tourism destinations the breadth of destination knowledge required to provide advice to customers will vary according to the industry sector and workplace

project or work activities that show candidates ability to source and provide international destination information and advice within the context of the particular industry sector in which they are working or seeking work for those undertaking generic preemployment training assessment must cover a range of industry contexts to allow for a broad range of vocational outcomes

sourcing and providing information and advice within typical workplace time constraints and the deadlines determined by the customer

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure

demonstration of skills within a fully equipped industryrealistic office environment using appropriate publications computers printers and information programs currently used in the tourism industry to store tourismrelated information including the internet or demonstration within the applicable sales environment for the sector eg a conference venue for the Events sector or touring environment for the Guiding and Tour Operations sectors

interaction with and involvement of customers to whom destination and general product advice can be given

access to sources of destination and general product information such as sales kits brochures product manuals supplier and destination marketing organisation information kits electronic information sources and information databases

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge The following examples are appropriate for this unit

direct observation of the candidate sourcing current information and providing advice to customers

evaluation of integrated activities completed by the candidate including sourcing information on international destinations selling products providing quotations and issuing documents

case studies or problemsolving activities to assess ability to respond to different customers

destination research activities for different customer scenarios

written and oral questioning or interview to test knowledge of information sources and key destination information

review of portfolios of evidence and thirdparty workplace reports of onthejob performance by the candidate

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended for example

SITTTSLA Operate an online information system

SITTTSL001A Operate an online information system

SITTTSLA Sell tourism products and services

SITTTSL005A Sell tourism products and services

SITTTSLB Prepare quotations

SITTTSL006B Prepare quotations

SITTTSLB Receive and process reservations

SITTTSL007B Receive and process reservations

SITTTSLB Book and coordinate supplier services

SITTTSL008B Book and coordinate supplier services.

Assessing employability skills

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role

Sources of destination information may include:

Features of the international destination may include:

Key information on geographical features must include:

Key information on current health and safety features may include:

General information on different tourism products:

Storage of destination information may include:

Formal and informal research may include:

Health, safety and regulatory information may include: