The Foundation course is the first of the four levels. The Foundation Course includes training in industry Product and Support Services. It is now an enhanced course with the addition of a new module which includes entry level GDS training in Sabre, Amadeus, Galileo and Abacus. By studying this course and successfully completing the examination, the student will become qualified with the IATA/UFTAA Foundation/Electronic Booking Tools Diploma, and will be able to use the letters DTTF (Diploma in Travel and Tourism Foundations) after their name.

The combination of the Foundation Diploma and the GDS Fares and Ticketing Proficiency Certificate entitles the students to the IATA/UFTAA International Travel and Tourism Advanced Foundation Diploma. Students will be able to use the letters ‘DTTF2’ after their name. This Diploma marks a level of skills and knowledge valued in the market place as a competent and business-minded travel professional.

The 13 Modules of the Foundation course will give the student an understanding of the travel and tourism industry, the practicalities of the travel professional’s role in this industry and the importance of exceeding customers’ expectations, a foundation of air fare calculations and ticketing, and the ability to use practical tools to efficiently perform functions:

ENVIRONMENT

The Business Environment of the Travel and Tourism Industry

This introductory Module is intended to set the scene and help the student, the future travel professional, to be involved in the continually changing and exciting world of travel and tourism.

Geography in Travel Planning 1

Travel professionals use destination geography every day. In this Module, the student will acquire the basic knowledge required in order to be able to provide timely and accurate service for the planning of customers’ itineraries.

Travel Formalities Various documents and procedures are required for travel; this Module emphasis's the need for accuracy when supplying information on visa and passport requirements, and customs and currency regulations.

PRODUCTS

These Product Modules will familiarize the student with the various product specifications and schedules, enable the student to effectively answer customer queries and sell travel and tourism products and make the appropriate booking for the customer.  

The Product modules in the Foundation course are:

Land Transport - Rail 1

Land Transport - Car and Camper

Hotels

Water Transport - Ferry

Tour Packages 1

Air Transport Essentials

SUPPORT SERVICES

Customer Service

Knowledge of the industry and products is important. However, this knowledge is wasted if the student fails to give the level of customer service needed to make the vital impact on the purchase and repurchase decisions of customers. This Module provides the student with the skills and knowledge required to ensure that the student's front-line contact with the customer is outstanding. 1.11 Technology in the Travel Industry 1 Information technology is at the base of the travel and tourism industry. Highlighting the development of Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and the Internet, this Module demonstrates the importance of the role of information technology.

AIR FARES AND TICKETING

Air Fares and Ticketing 1 The specialist skills involved in calculating air fares and issuing tickets have assumed a new importance in today’s competitive market. This Module provides the basic skills to enable the student to accurately issue and price the most common types of tickets.

In June 2000, there was an important change in the method of pricing of air fares, known as the Pricing Unit Concept (PUC). The course material has been updated to reflect this change. The PUC will be examined for IATA/UFTAA qualifications as of September 2002.

GDS TRAINING

Electronic Booking Tools

This computer-based training in CD-ROM format offers basic training in operating 4 Global Distribution Systems: Sabre, Abacus, Galileo and Amadeus. This training is estimated to require approximately 40 hours of study and practice. Students can learn at their own pace. This module does not replace the full version GDS Training, nor GDS Fares and Ticketing courses.

For the Foundation course, it is recommended that the students hold a Secondary/High School Diploma, have a good knowledge of mathematics and the English language.

CONSULTANT COURSE

SUPPORT SERVICES

Law and Regulations 1

Travel professionals must adhere to laws and regulations at various levels. This Module will familiarize the student with common national requirements, IATA’s Regulations and the role of National Travel Agents Associations.

Selling Skills At the centre of the current flux that travel agents find themselves is the necessity for the role of the travel agent to migrate from the role of ‘agent’ to that of ‘consultant’. Effective selling skills are crucial as a ‘consultant’ and this Module will help the student learn these skills.

AIR FARES AND TICKETING

Air Fares and Ticketing 2 The air fares and ticketing specialist’s ability to construct complex fares and routings, issue and re-issue tickets and explain the Billing and Settlement system will give their travel operation a distinct sales advantage.

In June 2000, there was an important change in the method of pricing of air fares, known as the Pricing Unit Concept (PUC). The course material has been updated to reflect this change. The PUC will be examined for IATA/UFTAA qualifications as of September 2002.

For the Consultant course, it is recommended that the students hold the Foundation Diploma, have at least one year’s experience in the Travel & Tourism industry and have good knowledge of mathematics, as well as the English language.

The Management course is the third of four levels. Students who successfully complete this course and the examination will become qualified with the IATA/UFTAA International Travel and Tourism Management Diploma and will be entitled to use the letters ‘DTTM’ after their names.

The following 7 Modules will prepare the student for higher level responsibilities such as accounting, supervising staff and developing products.

STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT

Managerial Skills 1 Success in managerial leadership does not “just happen”. Not only do students need preparation and experience, they must also have learned the essential principles and strategies in supervising and managing people, that they can apply immediately on the job.