SITTPPD401
Package tourism products

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to create, tailor and cost packages to meet the needs of particular markets or customers. This may include packages with complex itineraries or a wide range of products.

Application

The unit applies to tour wholesalers, tour operations and event organisers, and to individuals working independently in senior operational or coordination roles with limited guidance from others. They complete complex itinerary planning, costing and operational coordination for new or enhanced packaged products.

Products may include brochured touring products, incentive and special interest group itineraries, events and series tours.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Source component products.

1.1 Identify product objectives in consultation with appropriate colleagues and customers.

1.2 Determine customer or market destination and product preferences and requirements.

1.3 Identify and research potential destinations and component products and services.

1.4 Assess destination and product details for market suitability and consider innovative options when appropriate.

1.5 Assess quality credentials of operators and their products.

1.6 Select destinations and products based on research.

2. Package component products.

2.1 Develop packaged products or programs to meet requirements of specific customers or markets.

2.2 Combine and integrate program components to create maximum value and saleability within constraints.

2.3 Make agreements with suppliers according to organisation profit and other requirements and confirm in writing.

2.4 Check and incorporate legal requirements.

2.5 Cost programs to ensure profitability and consideration of key financial factors.

2.6 Clearly document and present product or program and pricing structures, including details of inclusions, exclusions and add-ons.

2.7 Review and adjust products or programs and pricing structures in response to feedback from customers or colleagues.

2.8 Present final product or program details for approval within required timeframes.

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to liaise with customers and colleagues on practical operational issues

critical thinking skills to assess research findings and match destinations and products to specific customer or market needs

literacy skills to:

interpret complex supplier component product information, including contracts and costs

document complex product information, programs and pricing structures, including the specific applicable conditions

numeracy skills to calculate complex costing components and a range of different commission and markup structures

problem-solving skills to respond to need for variations and adjustments in potentially complex itineraries or products.

Required knowledge

tourism industry structure, interrelationships and information sources

industry information or destination marketing networks and their value in conducting research for the packaging process

customer or market product preferences and requirements relevant to the industry sector

features of typical supply and contractual arrangements with suppliers

key principles and elements of calculating complex packaged product costings and pricing structures

distribution and marketing networks, especially those involved in distributing the proposed tourism product or program

industry commission or markup procedures and rates appropriate to the particular sector and the varying organisations in the distribution network

industry practices in packaging products and presenting pricing structures appropriate to different sectors, including:

different costing options such as per person; room or group; all inclusive; and ground content only

typical package styles for different markets or customer types

aspects of laws that impact on tourism operations and actions required of tourism operators, including:

consumer protection:

providing services as advertised

terms and conditions

refund requirements

cancellation fees

child sex tourism

legal liability insurance requirements and duty of care of customers

environmental protection:

licences

permits

accreditation

minimal impact practice

local community protection:

land ownership, management and access requirements.

Evidence Required

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

Overview of assessment

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

Evidence of the ability to:

source, package and match destinations and products to meet the needs of multiple customers or markets

develop and cost practical programs that meet both customer needs and organisational business requirements

integrate knowledge of industry packaging and costing processes.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure use of:

customer and market information on which products can be based

current information and communications technology

current destination and product information sources that support the costing process, such as brochures, tariffs, product sales kits and supplier contracts.

Method of assessment

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

evaluation of projects conducted by the individual to develop packaged tourism products or programs for a range of purposes

review of completed product costing and pricing structures for packaged products or programs

use of case studies to assess the individual’s ability to research and meet the needs of customers or markets with differing product preferences and requirements

written or oral questioning to assess knowledge of industry structure, interrelationships, distribution networks, markup and commission structures and legal requirements

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

Guidance information for assessment

The assessor should design integrated assessment activities to holistically assess this unit with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role, for example:

SITTTSL301 Provide advice on international destinations

SITTTSL302 Provide advice on Australian destinations.


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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Customer or market may include:

Australians travelling internationally (outbound)

business travellers

domestic tourists travelling within Australia

groups

individuals

international tourists travelling within Australia (inbound)

leisure travellers

special interest groups:

customers of a particular cultural background

ecotourism

event delegates

educational

sporting

incentive groups.

Research may include:

desk research

destination or site inspection

personal contact with tourism authorities, product suppliers or distribution network.

Component products and servicesto be packaged might include:

accommodation

activities

audiovisual services

conference facilities

cruises

entertainment

entrances to attractions, museums, events and exhibits

food, beverage and catering

functions

meals

meeting or event equipment

speaker services

special event consumable items

special items with customer corporate branding

tour guiding services

tours

transport:

air

rail

bus or coach

shipping

vehicle rental

venue hire.

Suitability may relate to:

accessibility

availability

costs

features and benefits

product match to preferences and requirements

profit potential.

Quality credentialsmay relate to:

customer service and satisfaction record

public liability and duty of care policies and procedures

environmental and local community protection credentials

reliability of other tourism operators in complying with laws

reliability of other tourism operators to provide promised products and services

safety record.

Requirements of specific customers or markets may relate to:

budget

cultural issues

integration into a wider touring, event or sporting program

product or service preferences and requirements

time constraints.

Key financial factorsmay include:

commission or markup structures

exchange rate implications

profit margin requirements

special fees and other charges:

amendment fee

cancellation fee

communication fee

courier fee

credit card fee

itinerary preparation fee

loyalty program (e.g. frequent flyer) redemption fee

product booking fee

reconfirmation fee

service fee

transaction fee

visa and passport handling fee

taxes.


Sectors

Tourism


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.