Indicative content:
• Real life review
• Provides unbiased information about the destination/tourism organisation
• Hints and tips
• Find the best services/places to go
• Research prior to purchase
• View traveller photographs
• Variety of opinions
• Positive and negative, aware of difficulties
Credit all valid responses in context
Level 1 (1–2 marks) will identify up to two valid benefits, providing some
detail but will be mainly descriptive.
Level 2 (3–4 marks) can be awarded for an analysis of the benefits, clearly
indicating how the tourist would benefit.
Level 3 (5–6 marks) can be awarded for evaluative comment about the
significance/importance of particular benefits. Better answers will have a
reasoned conclusion.
Example:
Tourists can research tourist review sites prior to their departure or purchase
[L1], they provide lots of different opinions from real travellers [L1]. Tourists
can understand the advantages and disadvantages of a destination and make
plans to overcome any possible issues [L2] therefore guaranteeing a more
successful trip for the tourists [L3]. However, tourist review sites are not
always authentic opinions, some posts are falsified (from competitors) and
may give a false impression [L2]. However the most important benefit is that it
is real life reviews from fellow travellers and tourists can form their opinion
based upon these views rather than biased marketing materials[L3], allowing
them to plan a more successful trip [L3].