Copyright 2007 – Biz/ed The UK as a Destination

Copyright 2007 – Biz/ed What is this presentation about? Providing a starting point for work on understanding the UK as a destination. Helping you know how to use sources of reference in this topic area. Setting the scene for what else you need to know in this area. This will help you work towards completing a unit of study on the UK as a destination.

Copyright 2007 – Biz/ed Reference sources Think about what this actually means: you need to have places you can go to find information. These are the sources you use. You refer to them because they provide useful information you can rely on. They become trusted companions for your studies and during your work in the industry.

Copyright 2007 – Biz/ed Reference sources While this lesson concentrates mainly on Internet-based sources, there is no reason not to use information in books and magazines. Increasingly, though, traditional ‘hard copy’ sources are being placed on the Internet for use by travel students and professionals.

Copyright 2007 – Biz/ed A range of reference sources Web directories contain information sources organised according to subject area. In travel and tourism education a useful directory is provided by the ‘Intute’ service. Other non-educational directories are offered by Yahoo, Lycos and others. Check them out to note the differences in the service offered.

Copyright 2007 – Biz/ed Web directories Go to Intute (see guidance sheet accompanying this lesson) and browse by heading into Travel and Tourism. Look at some of the resources listed. Now do the same with Yahoo ( or Lycos ( and follow the link to ‘directory’, then type in ‘travel and tourism’.

Copyright 2007 – Biz/ed Web directories You’ll see that Intute gives explanations of the content offered at listed web sites. Lycos and Yahoo don’t do this, preferring to give huge lists of sites - some useful, others not. Using an educational directory helps find quality sources, fast. They’ve also been checked by subject specialists.

Copyright 2007 – Biz/ed Atlases and maps In the past you would have to look for these in your library. You can, of course, still do this. Libraries are free to use! But there are alternatives online. Google maps has become one of the most popular, due to its ease of use. Others exist! See guidance sheet for more.

Copyright 2007 – Biz/ed Statistical data The web is a good place to look for data, but it can get confusing very quickly! It’s best to have one or two reliable sources and stick to them. Star UK offers lots of useful data on tourism. National Statistics has a whole section on Transport, Travel and Tourism.

Copyright 2007 – Biz/ed Timetables The guidance sheet offers a range of online providers of timetables for bus, train and cruise travel. This is, of course, an area where accuracy is paramount. Verify your information with the service provider. Main train stations also offer travel information services.

Copyright 2007 – Biz/ed Destination guides Traditionally you would have to buy a guide from Lonely Planet, Frommer’s or Fodor’s. Now there is a wealth of information online about a huge variety of destinations. The key is to find trustworthy sources. Look at the guidance sheet for more.

Copyright 2007 – Biz/ed Other sources of destination information Broadcasters with strong online services such as the BBC. The national newspapers usually have web sites with useful travel and tourism information. The travel press often provide free access to useful information. As does ABTA, the travel industry body.

Copyright 2007 – Biz/ed Where next? Go to the Activity to tackle the task on creating a travel plan for different types of customer. Don’t forget to use the guidance sheet for more help on using online sources of information. Work in groups and then share information to cover as much material as possible.