Google Links

Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Develop knowledge of Australian destinations.
  2. Update knowledge of Australian destinations.
  3. Provide information and advice on Australian destinations.

Required Skills

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 to seek and provide feedback on Australian 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 Australian 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 weather information health advisory notices issued by the federal and state or territory government health departments and safety advisory information issued by federal and local police authorities and emergency service authorities

ways that individuals update their knowledge in the tourism industry

breadth of Australian destination knowledge appropriate to the sector or specific workplace prevocational assessment must include coverage of all Australian States and Territories 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 the its region and major geographic features of the destination and its region

key information on cultural and related features of the destination including areas of environmental social or cultural significance or sensitivity major cities towns and tourist areas and precincts 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

Evidence Required

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 Australian 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 Australian destination information and advice in response to multiple customer requests covering a range of Australian 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 the candidates ability to source and provide Australian 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 tourism related information 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 or 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 Australian destinations selling products providing quotations and issuing documents

case studies and 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


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below.

Sources of destination information may include:

destination and product library

internet and intranet

state and federal government tourism authority information systems

regional tourism office information systems.

Features of the Australian destination may include:

major cities, towns and tourist areas and precincts

major man-made tourist attractions

major gateways for and transport networks within the region and destination

history

local economy

local customs

special regional features

areas of environmental, social or cultural significance or sensitivity

cultural elements

special features of the host community

local facilities, including banking and public facility information

facilities for customers with special needs.

Key information on geographical features must include:

location of the destination and the region in which it is located

climate and seasonal factors of the destination and its region

major geographic features of the destination and its region.

Key information on current health and safety features may include:

any current health risks, including diseases, epidemics, and animal or insect infestation

terrorism threats or current acts

weather disasters or threats of bad weather, e.g. fire, flood and storm.

General information on different tourism products:

may include:

styles of product available within the destination

seasonal availability of product

location of product within the destination

may be found in:

brochures

e-brochures

sales kits

supplier information kits

product manuals

advertising flyers.

Storage of destination information may include:

card reference systems

files and notes of particular destinations

files and notes for specific touring routes or locations

files and notes for specific styles of customer group

computerised database of information.

Formal and informal research may include:

informal discussions with colleagues

undertaking formal study

accessing and reading promotional information, including travel guide books, and product brochures and updates

liaising with trade and general media

attending product launches

attending promotional seminars

direct contact with other organisations, including suppliers, principals and tourist information offices

familiarisations

accessing the internet and intranet

personal on-site observation or exploration

organising information from own memory and experiences

watching television, videos and films

listening to radio

reading newspapers, books and other references.

Health and safety information may include:

health advisory notices issued by federal and state or territory government health departments

safety advisory information issued by federal and local police authorities and emergency service authorities.