Higher National Unit Specification General information for centres Unit title: Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism Unit code: DK02 35 Unit purpose: This Unit is designed to enable candidates to understand the concept of planning and sustainable development in tourism. It examines sources of funding for tourism development in the UK, as well as taking account of the need to adopt policies, strategies and practices within planning, that takes account of the sustainable use of natural and built resources, and the economic as well as the socio-cultural well being of the local community. This Unit is relevant to any person working within the tourism industry as it gives them an understanding of the planning system and a vital insight into the positive and negative impacts arising from tourism development. On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to: 1. Investigate and evaluate the sources of funding available for tourism development in the UK. 2. Explain the stages involved in the tourism development planning process. 3. Examine and analyse the concept of sustainability and its application within tourism planning and development. 4. Comment on the positive and negative impacts arising from tourism development and put forward sustainable solutions. 5. Evaluate current marketing trends and the tourism industry s response to the visitors needs, within the concept of marketing and sustainability. Credit points and level: 2 HN Credits at SCQF level 8: (16 SCQF credit points at SCQF 8*) *SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates. Recommended prior knowledge and skills: Candidates should have good communication skills. These may be demonstrated by the achievement of core skill Communication at SCQF 6 Higher level or by possession of Higher English and Communication or an appropriate HN Communication Unit at level 7 SCQF. It is not necessary for candidates to have a previous achievement in Sustainable Development and Tourism, though a brief understanding of the tourism planning system would be useful. HN Unit (DK02 35): Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism 1
General information for centres (cont) This may be demonstrated within the achievement of the Higher National Unit: (DJ9W 34): Structure of the Travel and Tourism Industry. It would also be useful for the candidate to have a previous achievement of HN Unit (DK0E 34): Applying Marketing Principles in Travel and Tourism. Core skills: There may be opportunities to gather evidence towards core skills for example in problem solving in this Unit although there is no automatic certification of core skills or core skills components. This Unit encourages candidates in the development of the following skills: setting of objectives; planning; managing resources; thinking critically and analytically; developing enquiry skills. Context for delivery: If this Unit is delivered as part of a group award, it is recommended that it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the group award to which it contributes. Assessment: The Unit can be assessed by a mixture of case study/field study involving appropriate topics and extended response to cover theoretical underpinning. Alternatively it could be possible to adopt a holistic approach with all aspects covered though a case study approach. HN Unit (DK02 35): Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism 2
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards Unit code: DK02 35 The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and evidence requirements are mandatory. Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on each assessment occasion. Outcome 1 Investigate and evaluate the sources of funding available for tourism development in the UK. Knowledge and/or skills methods of funding tourism development for both private and public sectors, including both direct and indirect financial aid public sector funding available from the various organisations involved in Scottish tourism European funding opportunities private sector funding for tourism development voluntary funding for tourism development Evidence requirements Candidates need to demonstrate an understanding of the various sources of funding available to support tourism development. The candidate should show the ability to consider and evaluate the types of developments in areas that will be considered for funding from various sources and should be able to recommend appropriate sources of finance for selected tourism development(s). Evidence should take the following forms: Identification and evaluation of the various sources of funding available for both private and public sector tourism developments, Explaining the difference between direct and indirect financial aid. Candidates should also identify the different sources and approaches to funding by the Public, Private and Voluntary sectors, explained through the following: HN Unit (DK02 35): Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism 3
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont) Identification of the funding roles of public sector organisations. Identification of the sources of funding available for private sector tourism developments; Identification of funding for voluntary Identification of European funding opportunities for tourism development Assessment guidelines This Outcome could be suitably assessed through a stand-alone report or it could also be assessed through the case study adopted for Outcomes 2 and 4. Outcome 2 Explain the stages involved in the tourism development planning process. Knowledge and/or skills Objectives of the planning system, with particular reference to Scotland Different types of tourism development The different stages involved in the tourism development planning process Legislation involved within the different types of applications and plans Roles of various organisations, national and local government bodies, voluntary agencies and the private sector in the planning of tourism development Evidence requirements Candidates should show awareness of the consequences of uncontrolled tourism developments, based on research evidence. They should demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the basic planning concepts and methods used within the tourism planning and development process. Candidates should give examples of the different planning stages, procedures and the processes involved. This evidence can be shown through the use of a hypothetical, existing or proposed tourism development case study. Candidates should provide a satisfactory awareness and understanding of the topics covered in the Knowledge and/or Skills section. The evidence can take the form of a report or responses to specific questions. Assessment guidelines The assessment of this Outcome can be combined with Outcome 4 using a case study or field trip investigation. Please refer to the assessment guidelines under Outcome 4 for further guidance. HN Unit (DK02 35): Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism 4
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont) Outcome 3 Examine and analyse the concept of sustainability and its application within tourism planning and development. Knowledge and/or skills Interdependent relationships between the physical and socio-cultural environment and tourism Global issues and problems due to unsustainable development practices Historical perspective Outline of current theories and principles of sustainable tourism development Evidence requirements The candidate will be required to show an understanding of the inter-dependence of tourism and the economic, social, cultural and physical environments, recognising the fragility and the need to preserve the natural, built and cultural resources that tourism depends on. Evidence should make reference to relevant reports, policies and strategies. Assessment guidelines This Outcome could be suitably assessed by an essay, which would allow the candidates to examine and critically analyse the theoretical concepts and issues involved. Within the essay the candidates need to show evidence of their understanding of the theoretical concepts involved. Examples of good practice should be given in the global context, as well as recognition that problems can arise from unsustainable development practice. Though the format for the essay is not a mandatory part of the evidence requirements for this Unit it should be presented in a recognised essay format. Outcome 4 Comment on the positive and negative impacts arising from tourism development and put forward sustainable solutions Current environmental impacts associated with tourism development, examining urban and rural issues. Current socio-cultural impacts associated with tourism development. Current economic impacts associated with tourism development. The importance of protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. Tools for sustainability in planning and managing tourism HN Unit (DK02 35): Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism 5
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont) Visitor management techniques used to overcome or minimise negative impacts from tourism development Education on sustainable practice for tourism suppliers, tour operators and visitors Evidence requirements Candidates are required to show evidence of a knowledge and understanding of the economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts from tourism development and activities, both positive and negative. The candidate should identify examples of impacts that can take place throughout the various tourism development stages and when development has occurred. This evidence can be achieved through the use of a hypothetical, existing or proposed tourism development case study. This evidence should ideally be applied to a case study or field trip investigation. Assessment guidelines This Outcome could be assessed by a case study or field study investigation report. The report may be supplemented by group work coverage of some aspects of the evidence requirements ie samples of educational techniques like interpretation, codes of conduct, codes of ethics and professional guidelines could be researched and compiled through group work. Though the format for the report is not a mandatory part of the evidence requirements for this Unit it should be presented in a recognised report format. Guidelines for case study or field trip: Where a case study is used as part of the assessment, it should be related to the knowledge, skills and evidence required for the Outcome(s). The case study could be on a hypothetical or proposed tourism development or a development already in existence. For example a hypothetical case study created to ensure all criteria could be covered, or one on a location such as New Lanark World Heritage Site; St Andrews Tourism Management Programme; or a case study taken from Tourism and the Environment Forum s Green Tourism Case Studies would be appropriate, as would a global case study such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in Nepal. If the assessment is based on a field trip location, the location should cover the following criteria: evidence of the positive benefits from tourism development physical and socio-cultural environments that need to be sustained candidates can obtain access to the sites pertaining to the evidence requirements for the Outcome(s) visitor management techniques are being used or can be sensibly applied to the location HN Unit (DK02 35): Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism 6
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont) a representative of the development project is available to give relevant written or verbal information on the development, or written information is available for the candidate to examine. The individual report on the case study or field trip plus the group work should cover all the knowledge and/or skills and evidence required for the Outcomes involved. If either the case study, field trip and group work combined falls short of the evidence required, candidates should be required to supplement the report with answers to additional questions supplied to them. This Outcome can be assessed alongside Outcome 2 (and possibly Outcomes 1 and 5), using the same Case study or field trip on which to produce the evidence required. Outcome 5 Evaluate the current marketing trends and the tourism industry s response to the visitors needs, within the concepts of marketing and sustainability. Tourism marketing and sustainability: marketing objectives and marketing orientation, more targeted marketing, societal marketing World Travel and Tourism Council guidelines for sustainable tourism Alternative and/or green tourism trends Identifying the role of various organisations in effective promotion of environmental responsibilities Environmental Quality Assurance Schemes, e.g. Scotland s Green Tourism Business Scheme Evidence requirements Candidates will be required to provide evidence to show knowledge of and: propose methods of minimising operational and product environmental problems evaluate and consider environmental and social concerns when planning, designing, constructing and implementing a new product explain how to practise and encourage energy and waste conservation and management i.e. reduce, reuse, recycle before renewing, the use of environmentally friendly materials suggest methods of raising awareness of visitors, explain the use of certification schemes Assessment guidelines: This Outcome could be assessed through a stand-alone marketing plan for a tourism development or by relating it to a case study or field study investigation adopted for Outcomes 2 and 4 (and possibly Outcome 1). See guidelines for case study or field trip in the Assessment Guidelines for Outcome 4. HN Unit (DK02 35): Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism 7
Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont) The report may be supplemented by additional questions to ensure coverage of all aspects of the evidence requirements. Though the format for the report is not a mandatory part of the evidence requirements for this Unit it should be presented in a recognised report format. HN Unit (DK02 35): Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism 8
Administrative Information Unit code: DK02 35 Unit title: Superclass category: Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism NK Date of publication: August 2004 Version: 01 Source: SQA Scottish Qualifications Authority 2004 This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged. SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotland s colleges have made to the development of Higher National qualifications. Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000. HN Unit (DK02 35): Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism 9
Higher National Unit specification: support notes This part of the Unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory. While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length is 80 hours. Guidance on the content and context for this Unit The Unit is primarily intended to give the candidates an understanding of the concept of planning and sustainable development in tourism. It examines sources of funding for tourism development in the UK, as well as taking account of the need to adopt policies, strategies and practices within planning and marketing, that takes account of the sustainable use of natural and built resources, and the economic as well as the socio-cultural well being of the local community. This unit is relevant to any person working within the tourism industry as it gives them a vital insight into what damage can be done if sustainable principles are not adopted within tourism planning, development, management and marketing. It also introduces candidates to solutions for existing tourism development problems. The unit gives an underpinning knowledge to candidates who wish to progress to third year degree level. The third year degree modules that would be progressive from this Unit, and would benefit from the underpinning knowledge and skills acquired from this Unit, would be Heritage and the Environment, Tourism Planning and Development and Environmental Management. Outcome 1 investigates and evaluates the sources of funding available for tourism development in the UK. Candidates should be introduced to the various sources of funding available to support different types of tourism developments, in different European and UK geographical areas. This should give the candidates the knowledge to be able to recommend appropriate sources of finance for selected tourism development(s). The candidates should be made aware of: the funding roles of public sector organisations such as Scottish Enterprise; Local Enterprise Companies; Local Authorities; Scottish Natural Heritage; Historic Scotland; Scottish Museum Council; Scottish Arts Council; VisitScotland in the funding process for tourism development, recognising the interest of these organisations in economic, social and/or environmental improvements obtained from tourism development projects. The form the funding takes place i.e. in the form of grants or loans; provision of infrastructure or superstructure; training sponsorship; rent free premises; tax concessions; assistance with marketing; market research. HN Unit (DK02 35): Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism 10
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont) sources of funding available for private sector tourism developments including venture capital, grants and loans from public sector funding organisations; membership fees, bank loans, private investment, leasing and renting; hire purchase; sale and leaseback; training sponsorship; franchising and concessions; sponsorship; the Millennium Fund, Lottery Fund. sources of funding for voluntary trusts ie membership subscriptions; sponsorship; fundraising events; donations; entrance fees; grants from central and local government. criteria for Millennium and Lottery Funding. European Structural Funds, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF) including LEADER funds; the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). The candidates should also identify in which form the funding takes ie grants for specific projects, assistance with superstructure. Outcome 2 examines the different sequential stages of the planning process, with full consideration given to the legislation in place to control planning and development, with particular reference to the UK and Scotland. The candidates should also be encouraged to consider the different objectives and the roles of the various private and public sector organisations involved in tourism planning and development. Consideration should be given to the benefits that can be gained from partnership and collaborative initiatives and ventures between private and public sector organisations, especially in terms of good sustainable development practice. Candidates should be shown: Different types of tourism developments, recognising the consequences of adopting an unplanned, non-legislative and uncontrolled approach to tourism development The need for national development plans, structure plans; local plans; the application process; application types; planning legislation The different sequential stages involved in the tourism planning process using Inskeep s (1991) eight stages model approach for the public sector and the five stages model approach for commercial tourism enterprises. Planning control techniques, including Gantt Charts and Critical Path Analysis at the relevant stages. The need for control mechanisms. Legislation within the tourism planning process, including the National Government and Local Authority planning laws i.e. Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997: planning permission and consent; building warrant application; change of use permission; listed building consent; disabled access laws; Environmental Impact Assessments (and / or Audit) The roles that various organisations involved in tourism play in formulating sustainable tourism plans. Consideration should be given to the benefits that can be gained from partnership and collaborative initiatives and ventures between the private and public sector organisations. Organisations should include: Scottish Natural Heritage; Forestry Commission; Local Authorities; Landowners Federation; National Trust for Scotland; Historic Scotland; Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Local Enterprise Companies; Scottish Conservation Trust, Scottish Wildlife Trust, World Wildlife Organisation; Friends of the Earth; Royal Society for the Protection of Birds; HN Unit (DK02 35): Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism 11
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont) Tourism Concern. Consideration should also be given to the conflicting aims of these organisations, exploring the problems that conflicts of interests can lead to. Benefits from using sustainable development principles when planning a tourism development, this should include the need to consider and respect the integrity of cultures and communities as well as protecting the natural and built environments. Opportunities and constraints for developing tourism. Consideration being given to the carrying capacity of the area being developed. Outcome 3 examines the concepts and issues of sustainability and its application within tourism planning and development. The background to the concept of sustainable development should be examined through analysing the findings of Brundtland (1987) and the issues raised in the Manila Declaration. Further evaluation of the policies, strategies and the commitment given by worldwide governments at various Earth Summits: Sustainable Development Earth Summits in Rio de Janeiro, Stockholm and South Africa, The Charter for Sustainable Tourism Agenda 21 and Local Agenda 21. Brundtland Report (1987), Manila Declaration, Rio Earth Summit 1992, Charter for Sustainable Tourism, Outline current theories and principles of sustainable tourism development - Charter for Sustainable Tourism, Principles for Sustainable Tourism Development In Outcome 4 candidates should consider the positive and negative impacts from tourism development, formulating sustainable solutions to any negative impacts They should be encouraged to look at the different methods of controlling the negative impacts from tourism, with particular reference to recognised visitor management techniques and tourism management programmes: benefits and problems associated with tourism development, in terms of impacts. Economic values and benefits the UK receives from tourism as well as the possible negative economic impacts from tourism in terms of employment, Output (GNP), Balance of Payments, Rate of Exchange, investment, economic linkages and leakages, as well as the Multiplier effect. Positive and negative socio-cultural impacts from tourism on the host-guest relationship, using examples gathered from research, positive impacts on traditional culture, food, dress and language, music and dance, including revival or degradation and trivialisation of culture through tourism activities, with particular reference to; staged culture; different social values; importance of protecting biodiversity and ecosystems different responses by governments and inter-governmental agencies as well as private and voluntary sectors, to the negative impacts associated with tourism development, at both global and national levels. tools being used to mitigate negative impacts and maximise the benefits from tourism development, with reference to visitor management techniques and/or tourism management programmes, using global and Scottish examples. HN Unit (DK02 35): Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism 12
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont) Concept of carrying capacities and limits of acceptable change and how the concepts can be applied positively to tourism development Examples of educational techniques used to illustrate the principles of sustainability, through the use of codes of conduct, codes of ethics, professional guidelines, as well as interpretation techniques. In Outcome 5 candidates should be encouraged to evaluate the current green / alternative marketing trends and the tourism industry s response to the visitors needs, within the concepts of sustainability within the marketing process. The roles of various organisations in the promotion of environmental responsibilities should be studied for effectiveness. This can be demonstrated through the use of case studies. The benefits from the promotion of a quality environmental product targeted to appropriate market segments should be emphasised. Environmental quality assurance schemes such as Scotland s Green Tourism Business Scheme; Ecotourism Certification; Blue Flag and the Green Globe schemes should be examined and analysed for their roles in sustainable marketing practices. Guidance on the delivery and assessment of this Unit This Unit is primarily intended to form part of a group award that is designed to provide candidates with the professional knowledge and skills related to the tourism industry. Due to the nature of the Unit it is desirable that candidates have a good understanding of the tourism industry prior to undertaking this Unit, therefore it would be appropriate for the Unit to be delivered towards the end of the course, this will allow a better understanding of the concepts and issues involved. Examples from the tourism industry at global, national and local levels should be used where possible. The assessment for this Unit should be broken into a portfolio of 2, 3 or 4 separate assessments. Outcome one could be suitably assessed through a stand-alone report or it could also be assessed through the case study adopted for Outcomes 2 and 4. Outcome 3 could be suitably assessed by an essay, which would allow the candidates to examine and critically analyse the theoretical concepts and issues involved. Outcome 2 and 4 could be assessed by a report based on a field study investigation, or a hypothetical or proposed tourism development case study or a development already in existence. The final Outcome 5 could be assessed through a stand-alone marketing plan for a tourism development or by relating it to the case study or field study investigation adopted for other Outcomes. The case study could be given to the candidates in advance allowing them to produce a report giving all the relevant evidence required, showing the knowledge and skills acquired. HN Unit (DK02 35): Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism 13
Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont) Open learning This Unit can be delivered by distance learning. To keep the administrative burden to a minimum, it is recommended that assessment for Outcomes 1, 2 4 and 5 be covered by a hypothetical case study for both open and distance-learning candidates with only Outcome 3 being assessed separately with an essay. For information on open learning arrangements, please refer to the SQA guide Assessment and Quality Assurance of Open and Distance Learning (SQA, 2000) Candidates with additional support needs This Unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or assessment. The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering alternative Outcomes for Units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Special Assessment Arrangements for Candidates with Additional Support Needs (BA 2399, SQA, due 2004). HN Unit (DK02 35): Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism 14
General information for candidates This Unit is designed to prepare you for working within the tourism industry as it gives you a vital insight into the positive benefits received and possible negative impacts that can come from tourism development. While undertaking this unit you will investigate the basic concepts of planning and development in tourism while encouraging you to consider the reasons why tourism needs an effective planning system. It will also enable you to source the types of funding available for tourism development projects in Europe and the UK. It is also designed to enable you to examine the interdependent relationships between the economic, physical and socio-cultural environments and the tourism industry. You will examine and investigate the global issues involved in sustainable tourism development practices. You will be encouraged to become aware of the need for the adoption of appropriate policies, strategies and practices that take account of sustainable use of natural, socio-cultural and built resources, in order to maximise the benefits from tourism development, while minimising the negative impacts. This awareness should help influence your decisionmaking in the future, if you are a manager in a voluntary, private or public sector organisation. In order to complete this Unit successfully, you will be required to achieve a satisfactory level of performance in at least two pieces of work to be assessed. Over and above undertaking an essay to demonstrate your understanding of the theories, concepts and issues with the sustainable context, you will be expected to use the knowledge and skills you acquire from the Unit and apply them to a case study or field trip investigation. This will encourage you to take a pragmatic approach to sustainable policies and practices. The aim is to ensure that whichever area within the tourism industry you find yourself, once you finish your course, you will consider all other areas when making decisions. You will be expected to produce an original piece of work on the date specified. HN Unit (DK02 35): Planning and Sustainable Development in Tourism 15