2024 Specimen Paper 2 Markscheme
2024 Specimen Paper 2 Markscheme
2024 Specimen Paper 2 Markscheme
Specimen
These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate
answers. They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic
level descriptions for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these
marking principles.
• the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptions for the question
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptions for the
question
• the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation
scripts.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:
Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:
• marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme,
referring to your Team Leader as appropriate
• marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
• marks are not deducted for errors
• marks are not deducted for omissions
• answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when
these features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptions.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the
question (however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the
candidate responses seen).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:
Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should
not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptions in mind.
a DO credit answers which are worded differently from the mark scheme if they clearly
convey the same meaning (unless the mark scheme requires a specific term)
b DO credit alternative answers/examples which are not written in the mark scheme if they
are correct
c DO credit answers where candidates give more than one correct answer in one prompt/
numbered/scaffolded space where extended writing is required rather than list-type
answers. For example, questions that require n reasons (e.g. State two reasons …).
d DO NOT credit answers simply for using a ‘key term’ unless that is all that is required.
(Check for evidence it is understood and not used wrongly.)
e DO NOT credit answers which are obviously self-contradicting or trying to cover all
possibilities
f DO NOT give further credit for what is effectively repetition of a correct point already
credited unless the language itself is being tested. This applies equally to ‘mirror
statements’ (i.e. polluted/not polluted).
g DO NOT require spellings to be correct, unless this is part of the test. However spellings
of syllabus terms must allow for clear and unambiguous separation from other syllabus
terms with which they may be confused (e.g. Corrasion/Corrosion)
2 Presentation of mark scheme:
• Slashes (/) or the word ‘or’ separate alternative ways of making the same point.
• Semi colons (;) bullet points (•) or figures in brackets (1) separate different points.
• Content in the answer column in brackets is for examiner information/context to clarify the
marking but is not required to earn the mark (except Accounting syllabuses where they
indicate negative numbers).
3 Annotation:
• For point marking, ticks can be used to indicate correct answers and crosses can be used
to indicate wrong answers. There is no direct relationship between ticks and marks. Ticks
have no defined meaning for levels of response marking.
• For levels of response marking, the level awarded should be annotated on the script.
• Other annotations will be used by examiners as agreed during standardisation, and the
meaning will be understood by all examiners who marked that paper.
Assessment objectives
AO2 Application
Apply knowledge and understanding of facts, terms and concepts to familiar and unfamiliar contexts
in travel and tourism.
AO3 Analysis
Analyse travel and tourism issues and show an understanding of the possible impacts of those issues
on travel and tourism.
AO4 Evaluation
Evaluate information to develop arguments, understand implications, draw inferences and make
judgements, recommendations and decisions.
Table A
Use this table to give marks for each candidate response for Question 2(d).
OR
OR
OR
Table B
Use this table to give marks for each candidate response for Questions 1(d), 3(d) and 4(d).
OR
Award one mark for the correct identification of a way and a second mark for
the explanation of the way.
Award one mark for the correct identification of a way and up to two further
marks for an explanation of how this will increase the number of business
tourists coming.
Follow the point-based marking guidance at the top of this mark scheme and
use Table B to give marks for each candidate response.
Responses may include the following and any other valid points should be
accepted:
AO2 Application
• Gives a competitive advantage
• Reduces marketing costs
• Strengthens reputation/image
• Increased likelihood of repeat business
• Increases interest from potential customers/revenue/boosts local
economy
AO3 Analysis
• Gaining an award gives the destination a competitive advantage over
similar destinations, they have an identified product and stand out from
the crowd
• Destination will be identified and enhanced increasing brand awareness,
generating marketing opportunities
• Sign of quality and excellence creating trust
• Potential customers will choose an award winning destination over
destinations that have not won awards
AO4 Evaluation
• Having competitive advantage means they can attract and satisfy
potential customers
• Destination becomes more recognisable as a business destination
globally, gains more media exposure and attention, free marketing and
public relation opportunities
• Strengthened reputation positively impacts tourist satisfaction meaning
they will not search for alternative destinations, it enhances its
competitive advantage, helps to compete for visitors, investments and
skilled workforce
• Tourist numbers will increase income and boost local economy, MICE
attendees generally spend more than other tourists. It can improve the
seasonal nature of the destination because business tourists do not
just travel in peak season. New jobs can be created e.g., professionals
to host the events, hospitality and therefore benefit indirect tourism
suppliers
AO2 3
AO3 3
AO4 3
Strength Weakness
4, 8 2, 7, 5
Opportunity Threat
1, 3 6, 9, 10
Credit only one mark for correct statement number in each heading.
2(b) Suggest three ways the Indian Ministry of Tourism can manage the issue 3
of overtourism.
Award one mark for the correct identification of a reason and a further mark
for the development of the reason.
Follow the point-based marking guidance at the top of this mark scheme and
use Table A to give marks for each candidate response.
Responses may include the following and any other valid points should be
accepted:
AO3 Analysis
• SWOT can help destinations identify the internal and external influences
so that they can make a better marketing plan in order to gain a
competitive advantage
• PESTLE can identify if there is government support in the development
of tourism, contribution to the GDP from tourism related employment,
number of indirect tourist jobs, provision of training and reliability of
Wi-Fi connectivity, natural landscape, which can be used to improve the
tourism provision
• Competitive analysis helps to research competitors’ products, sales and
marketing strategies, identify gaps in the market, identify what they are
doing right or where they are falling short
AO4 Evaluation
• Using results from competitor analysis, destinations can learn how the
competition works and identify potential opportunities where they can
out-perform them. They can stay relevant and on top of industry trends
and ensure their products and marketing campaigns are constantly
meeting – and exceeding – industry standards. Destinations are able
to identify the areas of opportunity in the marketplace. Destinations are
unlikely to succeed if they have many threats and weaknesses. The
results will enable destinations to have realistic plans before beginning
a campaign and to target its opportunities. Successful destinations can
manage any external influences when marketing themselves.
• No matter how much market analysis is done, there still needs to be
a supportive stable government to succeed. There needs to be open
borders and ability to obtain visas easily. Tax incentives will improve
visitor numbers whereby visitors can gain a tax refund on departure for
products bought on their trip.
• Results of market analysis will enable destinations to see how to proceed
on the positive and negative impacts of tourism provision. Destinations
can use this information to change any aspects of their provision to
enhance the positive and overcome negative aspects and to plan
improvements in their marketing.
• Religious tourists
• Pilgrims
• Cultural tourists
• Special interest tourists
• Educational tourists
• 4* hotel accommodation
• Breakfast and dinner
• Expert guides
• Transport on the tour
Award one mark for each way identified and a second mark for the
explanation of each way.
• Tourshrines could limit group numbers (1) helps to protect the site from
damage caused by large volume of visitors at the same time (1)
• Rules and regulations clearly visible in brochures/leaflets (1) educates
tourists on the dos and don’ts at the sites (1)
• A percentage from the booking cost could be given to the site (1) this can
be used to protect the site (1)
• Offer guided tours only (1) to restrict visitors from going to areas which
are out of bounds (1)
Award one mark for the correct identification of a benefit and a second mark
for the explanation of each benefit.
Follow the point-based marking guidance at the top of this mark scheme and
use Table B to give marks for each candidate response.
Responses may include the following and any other valid points should be
accepted:
AO2 Application
• Recognition by means of a slogan, brand name, product features, price,
colour and promotion
• Raises awareness/easily recognised/growth in customer numbers
• Increases trust and loyalty
• Brand image can help the organisation to gain competitive advantage
AO3 Analysis
• Raises awareness and encourages new customers by showing the
potential customer what the product is, easier to introduce new products
• Good brand image reminds customers and encourages them to trust
Tourshrines and to be loyal
• Market brand through different medias, social media website, sponsor
events
• Customer returns to Tourshrines and resists promotion from other
companies. Branding highlights USP of the product
AO4 Evaluation
• If the brand image is good, it can be used as a powerful tool to change
the perception of Tourshrines. If Tourshrines’ brand looks polished and
legitimate it can influence and attract the attention of potential customers
and encourage them to choose Tourshrines.
• If the branding is successful it aims to build customer trust and tourist
bound relationship ensuring their services satisfy customer needs or
exceed expectation, especially in the competitive market. Customer
loyalty can be developed because of the value and impression of a safe
and unforgettable experience given by Tourshrines.
• A well-known brand can help to establish Tourshrines as a leader and
give the business a boost for further expansion e.g., opening in more
locations, ensuring a future.
• With a good brand image Tourshrines can remain competitive and
produce more of a market share providing a high income.
AO2 3
AO3 3
AO4 3
Award one mark for each correct primary market research technique
identified.
• Self-completion questionnaires
• Exit surveys
• Online surveys
• Face to face interview
Award one mark for the correct identification of a way, a second mark for
applying the way to business tourists and a third mark for explanation of the
way.
Follow the point-based marking guidance at the top of this mark scheme and
use Table B to give marks for each candidate response.
Responses may include the following and any other valid points should be
accepted:
AO2 Application
• Competitive pricing, price should not exceed competitors or sales could
fall further
• Variable pricing for seasonality reasons, a reduction in price in the
off‑peak season to retain and gain more business
• Price bundling – as the ticket allows access to a range of different,
unrelated attractions, reduced rates for the bundle improves the appeal
• Special offers/discounts/promotional pricing, by using these strategies
tourism organisations can encourage tourists to visit.
AO3 Analysis
• When there are similar products being offered by different organisations
the price may be determined by the going rate, maximum rate at which
the product can be sold, or the organisation may offer to price match their
competitors.
• Variable pricing, prices can vary with respect to variations in the feature
of a product, the variability of demand and is often used by organisations
offering differentiated products and services.
• Price bundling is beneficial to the organisation as it allows them to sell
their lesser known or unpopular products with the popular ones. The
customer will generally receive the bundle at a discounted price.
• Discount pricing is sometimes used as a way of pulling customers away
from their competitors. The policy persuades them that they are receiving
value for money as they are getting something free.
AO4 Evaluation
• In a declining destination the government will often step in to help put
things right by giving subsidies which is an incentive for the organisations
to help improve the infrastructure or regenerate a declining area. Fuel tax
increases the price of travel, if fuel duty increases then then this increase
is passed on to customers because of the hidden surcharge. These often
have more impact than pricing strategies.
• When competing or matching competitors, there is the need for the
organisation to be careful and be aware of their own financial position
before deciding to compete. It is better to be product driven than price
driven.
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