Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to strategically plan ecologically sustainable tourism operations. It also requires the ability to establish and operate an ecologically sustainable tourism operation and to monitor any environmental impact it may have. It builds on SITTPPD004A Plan and implement minimal impact operations, which is more operationally focused. The work involved in this unit is subject to a range of regulatory requirements that relate to environmental sustainability at land management agency and federal, state or territory, and local government level. Therefore, training and assessment must take into account the specific requirements of environmental legislation as it applies to the product or destination. No occupational licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit describes a key product planning function for a diverse range of tourism and hospitality products and services and applies across many industry sectors. Planning and developing ecologically sustainable tourism operations involve a strategic focus on the overall and long-term operation of a tourism product. It might be for a whole region or local area, for a particular tourism venue, or for individual touring product. The unit has particular application to the accommodation, tour operating, cruise and attraction sectors and to those tourism products that are delivered in environmentally sensitive areas, many of which would be nature or ecotourism-based experiences. This unit applies to senior tourism and hospitality industry personnel who operate autonomously and have strategic tourism planning and product development roles. These roles would include regional tourism manager, resort or hotel manager, operations or general manager, marketing manager, product development manager and owner-operator of any type of accommodation or tour operating business. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
Nil |
Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of employability skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit is packaged will assist in identifying employability skills requirements. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge and/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
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1 |
Plan for ecologically sustainable tourism operations. |
1.1 |
Include an evaluation of the relationship between tourism and the environment in the planning process. |
1.2 |
Conduct a cost versus yield evaluation of establishing and operating the operation on an ongoing basis according to industry and ecotourism codes and legislation. |
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1.3 |
Incorporate into the planning process the need for an economic or social return to the local community. |
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1.4 |
Conduct a range of evaluations prior to any decision to establish the operation. |
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1.5 |
Investigate and incorporate into the planning process methods of managing tourism impact and protecting vulnerable sites. |
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1.6 |
Consult all stakeholders and incorporate their views into the planning process. |
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1.7 |
Develop strategies to balance ecological sustainability and the economic viability of the operation. |
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1.8 |
Base development decisions on the information obtained in the evaluation and planning process. |
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2 |
Develop and implement ecologically sustainable tourism operations. |
2.1 |
Develop and implement courses of action and systems to limit negative environmental impacts and damage. |
2.2 |
Establish and integrate best practice environmental standards in the operation. |
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2.3 |
Identify and use appropriate technology for environmental best practice. |
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2.4 |
Develop environmentally-friendly codes of practice for all aspects of the operation and for customer use. |
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2.5 |
Conduct operations according to ecologically sustainable practices, guidelines provided by industry and ecotourism codes of practice and requirements of the law. |
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2.6 |
Promote environmental awareness within the tourism industry and to customers. |
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3 |
Monitor environmental impact of operations. |
3.1 |
Monitor and assess environmental impact of operations as part of regular management reviews. |
3.2 |
Continuously monitor compliance with industry and ecotourism codes and legislative requirements. |
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3.3 |
Initiate appropriate follow-up action based on assessment of environmental impact and compliance. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
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:
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The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit:
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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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 Training Package. |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Evidence of the following is essential:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must ensure:
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Methods of assessment |
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess the practical skills and knowledge required to plan and develop ecologically sustainable tourism operations. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
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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
RANGE STATEMENT |
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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. |
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Range of evaluations prior to establishing the operation may involve: |
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Methods of managing tourism impact may include: |
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Stakeholders may include: |
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Negative environmental impacts may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Sector |
Tourism |
Competency field
Competency field |
Planning and Product Development |