Tour Guiding and Travel Operations — July 2020

Source: TOUR GUIDING AND TRAVEL OPERATIONS JULY 2020 .pdf | Paper code: 2912/102; 2918/102

Question 1(a)

Outline five principles that a tour guide should observe while carrying out his duties. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Give accurate information and admit the limits of personal knowledge.
  2. Put visitor safety and lawful conduct first.
  3. Treat clients and host communities respectfully.
  4. Protect wildlife, habitats and cultural heritage.
  5. Remain punctual, reliable and professionally accountable.

Question 1(b)

Explain five differences between long haul and short haul flight services. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Distance: long-haul services cover greater distances than short-haul services.
  2. Duration: long-haul journeys generally take more flight time; there is no single universal cut-off.
  3. Aircraft: long-haul routes commonly use aircraft with greater range and fuel capacity.
  4. Cabin service: longer flights normally require more extensive meals, rest and entertainment arrangements.
  5. Operations: long-haul planning places greater emphasis on extended crew duties, rest arrangements and time-zone changes.

Question 2(a)

Describe five types of specialised tour guides that operate in different tourist sites. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Wildlife guides interpret animal behaviour, habitats and conservation in natural areas.
  2. Mountain guides lead visitors on mountain routes and manage terrain-related risks.
  3. Museum guides interpret collections, exhibitions and historical objects.
  4. Marine guides interpret coastal or underwater environments within their training and authorisation.
  5. Cultural or heritage guides explain local history, traditions and culturally significant sites.

Question 2(b)

Explain five challenges that are faced by locally owned travel agencies operating in Kenya. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Limited working capital restricts marketing and investment in booking systems.
  2. Competition from large agencies and direct online sales reduces margins.
  3. Seasonal demand creates irregular revenue and staff utilisation.
  4. Dependence on suppliers exposes agencies to cancellations and service failures outside their control.
  5. Negative destination publicity or economic shocks can reduce bookings unexpectedly.

Question 3(a)

Outline five considerations that should be made when preparing an itinerary for a group of tourists. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. The group’s interests, ages, fitness and accessibility requirements.
  2. Available time, realistic travel durations and necessary rest breaks.
  3. The total budget and services included in the quoted price.
  4. The availability, opening times and booking conditions of attractions and suppliers.
  5. Season, weather, safety and suitable alternative arrangements.

Question 3(b)

Explain five reasons why International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulates air transport operations. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Safety: common standards reduce risks in international aviation.
  2. Harmonisation: compatible rules support operations between different states.
  3. Security: coordinated standards help protect aviation against unlawful interference.
  4. Efficiency: agreed procedures improve navigation, communication and air-traffic coordination.
  5. Environmental responsibility: international cooperation addresses aviation noise and emissions. ICAO develops international standards; states implement and enforce their aviation obligations.

Question 4(a)

A First Aid kit contains several items. Describe the use of five of these items. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Disposable gloves reduce contact with blood and other body fluids.
  2. Sterile dressings cover wounds and can help apply direct pressure to bleeding.
  3. Roller bandages secure dressings and support an injured part when applied appropriately.
  4. Triangular bandages can form a sling or secure suitable dressings.
  5. Scissors cut dressings, tape or clothing when access is needed. First aid should remain within the provider’s training and emergency assistance should be obtained when needed.

Question 4(b)

Describe five types of services rendered to travellers through a travel agency business. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Reserve and issue authorised transport tickets.
  2. Book accommodation suited to the traveller’s budget and needs.
  3. Arrange excursions and packaged holidays.
  4. Provide information on travel documentation, destination conditions and insurance options.
  5. Assist with itinerary changes, cancellations and communication with booked suppliers.

Question 5(a)

Explain five factors that should be considered when making arrangements to purchase office equipment in a travel agency business. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Operational requirements determine the functions and capacity needed.
  2. The purchase price and running costs must fit the agency’s budget.
  3. Compatibility with existing booking systems avoids integration problems.
  4. Reliability, warranty and access to servicing reduce downtime.
  5. Ease of use, staff training and safety affect how effectively the equipment can be operated.

Question 5(b)

Explain five advantages of making online reservations for flight services. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Customers can make bookings outside normal office hours.
  2. Available services and fares can be compared promptly.
  3. Electronic confirmation reduces the delay involved in obtaining a booking record.
  4. Travellers can select available options such as suitable departure times.
  5. Self-service booking can reduce travel to an agent’s office and associated transaction effort.

Question 6(a)

Explain five measures that an airline may take in order to reduce travel crime. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Verify traveller identity and travel documents through lawful procedures.
  2. Screen passengers and baggage using approved security arrangements.
  3. Train staff to recognise suspicious activity and report it through the proper channels.
  4. Restrict access to aircraft, baggage and operational areas to authorised persons.
  5. Protect booking and payment systems with suitable fraud controls and cooperate with competent authorities.

Question 6(b)

Outline five factors that should be considered when identifying a suitable camping ground for pitching a tent. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Firm, reasonably level and well-drained ground.
  2. A lawful, designated location away from wildlife routes and other hazards.
  3. Shelter from severe wind without dangerous overhanging branches.
  4. Safe access to drinking water and appropriate sanitation.
  5. Sufficient space and a position above potential flood channels.

Question 7(a)

Explain five reasons why a tour guide should be properly groomed. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. A neat appearance creates a professional first impression.
  2. Good personal hygiene improves client comfort.
  3. Appropriate clothing supports safe and effective performance of duties.
  4. Consistent presentation makes the guide easy for clients to identify.
  5. Respectful dress can meet cultural expectations at the places visited.

Question 7(b)

Explain five benefits that accrue to a travel agency that adopts the use of a Global Distribution System (GDS) in its operations. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Access to participating suppliers increases the range of products offered.
  2. Fast availability searches shorten the time needed to serve a customer.
  3. Integrated reservations reduce repetitive booking work.
  4. Fare and itinerary comparisons help agents propose suitable alternatives.
  5. Central booking records make changes, follow-up and management reporting easier.
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