UNIT 3 ACCOMMODATION

HOTEL GRADING: Grading of HOTELS in SPAIN

What system does Spain use to grade hotels?
Spain doesn't belong to the European Hospitality Quality Scheme called the Hotel Stars Union. 

       

Spain is different!

In Spain, the stars can only be awarded by the regional tourist authorities and each one gives an official rating according to its own set of criteria. The stars reflect the number and the range of facilities offered. By law Spanish hotels must display their prices behind reception and in every room. Visitors must remember that VAT is extra. Prices vary according to season and region.

(more about Hotel Classification System in Spain)

http://www.cehat.com/frontend/cehat/Hotel-
Classification-System-In-Spain-vn2682-vst328

Other hotel grading systems round the world

                                       

To know more about HOTEL RATINGS around the world read this interesting article

UNIT 3 ACCOMMODATION

TASK 1: Make a presentation of an Unusual or  Unique type of accommodation in Spain             

You should include the following details:

Basic decription of the accommodation, category (star rating), what will guests find in the rooms, how many restaurants there are, type of food they serve, what is so unique about the hotel or the location, facilities, services and activities available to guests. 

1. location and description

2. type of accommodation 

3. history of the building

4. unique features  

5. facilites and services

6. activities on offer.

(Deadline: January, the 14th) 

Check these links to see some of the most unusual hotels in the world 

http://www.visitbritain.com/en/Accommodation/Featured-accommodation/Quirky-accommodation.htm
http://www.theguardian.com/society/shortcuts/gallery/2013/jun/17/prisons-converted-hotels-pictures
http://www.quirkyhotels.com
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-most-unusual-hotels/10
http://edition.cnn.com/2014/04/21/travel/15-quirky-hotels/

Check these sites to know about some unusual or unique accommodation in Spain

http://www.secretplaces.com/hotels/spain/

http://www.greatsmallhotels.com/spain/boutique-hotels

http://www.theuniquetraveller.com/tours/alternative-accommodation-spain.html

http://www.quirkyaccom.com/spain

http://gitelink.com/spain/

http://castleandpalacehotels.com/countries/spain/spain_home/castlehotels_spain.html

http://www.paradoresofspain.com/

http://www.spain.info/en_US/consultas/deportes/esqui.html

http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/mar/15/spain-cottage-hotels-self-catering-accommodation

http://thegoodretreatguide.com/location/spain

http://www.inntravel.co.uk/holidays/country-cottages/spain

Proffesional Skills: Dealing with complaints

Common lodging complaints and problems

rudeness, incompetence, discrimination, invasion of privacy, false advertising, overcharging, theft of belongings, dirty room, mishandled reservation, Wi-Fi access, inaccurate star rating, uncomfortable beds, bed bugs,  amenities not working, unpleasant odors, unpleasant guests, sub-standard restaurant, deteriorating facility, noisy area, overbooking

Task 2: Make a video. Work in pairs. Choose one of the complaints above and then write a conversation where a hotel guest complains to the receptionist. Use expressions studied in the lesson and appropiate to the situation. 

(deadline: Monday, 18th)

UNIT 2 GETTING THERE: BRUSH UP YOUR ENGLISH

 USEFUL WEBPAGES TO PRACTISE GRAMMAR,  VOCABULARY and LISTENING 

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/english-grammar/a-to-z


http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-exercises


http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/english-grammar


http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/topics


http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/listen-and-watch


http://www.elllo.org/english/1101.htm ( listening)


http://www.wordheard.org/sort/ (listening)


https://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/phrasal-verbs-list.htm


http://elblogdeidiomas.es/150-phrasalverbs-traduccion-ejemplo/

London Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia

London: Mod and Trad

VISIT TO WORLD TRAVEL MARKET LONDON

VISIT TO WORLD TRADE MARKET 

2-5 Nov 2015 LONDON

The global meeting place for the travel trade

LONDON has one of the largest urban transport network in the world, with integrated bus, river and road systems. 

TASK 1: 1º GIAT students travelling to London should prepare a presentation of one of the different ways to get around this great city.

1. London buses
2. London tube
3. Dockland Light Railway
4. River bus services
5. Local trains 
6. London Cycle Hire Scheme
7. London Trams
8. Taxi
9. Emirates Airline Cable Car

Check these pages: 

http://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/getting-around-london/london-transport?http://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/getting-around-london/index?ref=more-ideas

TASK 2: Choose one of the top tourist cultural landmarks along the river Thames that you are going to visit. Prepare a short presentation about it: 

1. Shakespeare's Globe theatre
2. Tate Modern
3. Tate Britain
4. Southbank Centre
5. The Tower of London
6. The Houses of Parliament
7. The Big Ben
8. The London Eye
9. The Tower Bridge
10. The Millenium Bridge
11. Greenwich: historical sites

Check this page
http://www.visitlondon.com/discover-london/london-areas/river-thames/top-10-river-thames

UNIT 2 GETTING THERE

       

Watch this video about unusual modes of transportation  around the world

                 https://youtu.be/i5nVlMdMD8U

Check these pages about Getting around Spain

http://www.spain.info/en/informacion-practica/transportes/
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/spain/getting-around
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/spain/64864
9
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/spain-rail-passes
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/transport/getting-around/local-transport

  

SPEAKING: TRANSPORT IN YOUR COUNTRY.

What advice would you give to a tourist planning a 2-week trip travelling around your country?

TASK 1: summary on Spain's transport system: different options available and useful advice for anyone visiting our country.

TASK 2: Invent a two-week  trip around Spain, which includes 7 top destinations. You should consider 

1. Where potential tourists would fly in and out of the country
2. The best way to travel from each location to the next and why 
3. Mark the journey on a map of Spain
4. Price

TASKS to be done by 1º GIAT students not travelling to WTM LONDON

(deadline: Friday, 6th November)

(Presentation to the class: Monday, 9th)

                                               

DESIGN A PACKAGE HOLIDAY TO A DREAM ISLAND

Final Task: Unit 1 SELLING DREAMS:

• Design and create a new package holiday to a dream destination. 
• Write a brochure description of the destination. It should include  

       1. Location: Brief summary and map. 

         2. Geographical features

         3. Major cities and important places.

         4. Historical sites and landmarks.  

         5. Recreation and outdoor activities

         6. Entertainment/food and nightlife

         7. Arts and culture

         8. Climate

         9. Transportation 

         10. Language&customs&traditions

Include also: 

       a. the intinerary for the whole seven days of the package
           b. details of the accommodation

           c. what the package includes and the cost.

Remember to make the place sound wonderful and make readers dream of a perfect holiday.

Tasks should be sent by Wednesday, October 21th

          

UNIT 1 SELLING DREAMS

           SELLING THE HAWAIIAN DREAM

HAWAII is a group of islands over 3,200 km to the west of North America in Polynesia and is the 50th state of the USA. It has a warm tropical climate, a large number of beaches and active volcanoes. It has become a very popular tourist destination.

Discover why the six islands of Aloha are home 

to treasures unlike any other on earth. Learn 

about Hawaii's top sights and attractions, and 

the defininig qualities that make the six islands

of Aloha so unique.

http://www.gohawaii.com/en/

. Let's have a quick look at the six islands

http://www.gohawaii.com/livinginthemoment/?cid=int-lim14

. Choose an island and learn more about it.

http://www.gohawaii.com/en/statewide/choose-an-island/

. Choose a story of Hawaii. Watch the video. 

Learn about the essential Hawaii experiences.

    
http://www.gohawaii.com/stories/

. Choose a top attraction and learn about it 

http://www.gohawaii.com/en/big-island/guidebook/

. Watch this video about HAWAII

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/destinations/usa-hawaii-dest

JOBS IN TOURISM - JOB ADVERTISEMENTS - COVERING LETTER

JOBS IN TOURISM

THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD

If you saw this advertisement, 
would you apply for it?

      Watch this video and learn about this competition campaing organized 

      by Queensland tourism TO CHOOSE A CARETAKER for the islands in the 

                                           GREAT BARRIER REEF. 

https://youtu.be/iTUUWOV4Vns

More than 34.000 people applied and in May 2009, Ben Southall, 34, from England, was chosen to 

"house sit" the islands of the Great Barrier Reef

Now check this page and read these JOB ADVERTISEMENTS

http://www.tourism.australia.com/media/9197.aspx


WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO APPLY FOR?

Your task: choose the job you like best and write a cover letter applying for the job. 
Include this information: 
. say why you want to work for this company
. mention relevant qualification and/or experience
. mention you main qualities and skills
. say you are interested in a job interview 

WELCOME TO ARROYOTOURISM BLOG!

Welcome to the new course 

    2015-2016!

1º GIAT IES ARROYO

This new course we are going to work with a BLOG

LET'S START WITH SOME INSPIRATIONAL TRAVEL QUOTES

“Adventure is worthwhile.”

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” 

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”   

“We travel not to escape life,

 but for life not to escape us.”  

WATCH THIS VIDEO ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM

                                  

                               https://youtu.be/S5oVIhMSV3E
  

We start the course with the celebration of 

WORLD TOURISM DAY (WTD), celebrated every year on 27 September to highlight TOURISM'S SOCIAL, CULTURAL, POLITICAL and ECONOMIC VALUE.

WTD 2015 :

1BILLION TOURISTS 1 BILLION OPPORTUNITIES

                                    

http://wtd.unwto.org/content/27-september-world-tourism-day

Check this video TOURISM STORIES: "How tourism has enriched my life" to learn more about the people working in tourism, and how this has contributed to improving their lives and the welfare of their communities

 http://wtd.unwto.org/

Check what is happening in Málaga to celebrate WTD

http://www.malagaturismo.com/en/events/world-tourism-day/106

UNIT 6 NICHE TOURISM

NICHE TOURISM - MASS TOURISM

Niche tourism has become more and more popular as a reaction to Mass tourism. 

There is a need to experience something different, something special, something tailored to the specific needs and interests of individuals and groups of individuals. Niche tourism represents diversity and ways of marking differences.

SECTORS IN NICHE TOURISM

Nature, Wildlife, Ecotourism, Adventure, 
Sport events, Alpine, Heritage, Tribal, Religious,
 Educational, Genealogy, Research, 
Photography, Smallcruise, Volunteer, Dark, 
Youth, Single,Transport, Medical/Wellness, 

Farms/Barns, Camping, Wine/Gastronomy, 
Sport, Festival and events, 
Arts and crafts, Business, Extreme,

 Slum, Photography, Music Festivals, 

Art and Museum, Space

6. MEDICAL AND WELLNESS TOURISM

MEDICAL TOURISM  traveling outside one’s own area of residence for health care to have surgery or some other kind of medical treatmene.(seen as strictly necessary) such as cosmetic, dental and plastic surgery. There are two main sectors: Essential Medical Tourism versus Voluntary Medical tourism.




WELLNESS TOURISM going on holiday to improve their physical fitness and/or their psychological and spiritual well-being. There are three main sectors: BEAUTY, LIFESTYLE and SPIRITUAL


TASK 1: Find out 

1. How does your region or country cater for specialized tourism? 
Are there tour operators which organize tours and holidays for the Niche sectors listed above? 

    Make a data file for some Niches of your choice. Include
     . contact details of tour operators
     . description of tours
     . what is included in the tour price
     . whether they cater for disability
     . what makes the tour "special"

TASK 2: Plan a Niche tour
       Do you think there are other niches that could be catered for? Is there a gap in the market? Work in groups. Plan a  niche tour in your local area, region, comunity or country.

STAGE 1: Choose a Niche
    . Choose something different and exciting, but relevant to your area.
STAGE 2: Plan the tour
    . What makes it special?
    . Decide the specialized and general tourism activities you are going         to offer.
    . Decide the transport and accommodation you are going to offer.
    . Map out the basic itinerary
STAGE 3
    . What staff are going to be involved in the tour?
    . What special training will they need?
STAGE 4
    . Present your tour in detail to the class


INTERESTING WEBPAGES to check information about NICHE SECTORS

http://www.andulela.com/township_tours_south_africa.html
Birdwatching Spain Tours | Wildlife tours in Spain
http://www.turinea.com/es/ar/16/rutas-tematicas.html
http://www.turinea.com/es/ar/63/ver-todas-las-rutas-tematicas.html
www.atasteofspain.com
www.historvius.com/spanish-civil-war-sites/pe158
http://www.aito.com/spain/2
http://www.olespaintours.com/?lang=en
http://www.ibertours.com.au/spain/
http://www.viator.com/Barcelona-tours/Cultural-and-Theme-Tours/d562-g4
http://www.viator.com/Barcelona-tours/Literary-Art-and-Music-Tours/d562-g4-c14
http://www.viator.com/Barcelona-tours/Literary-Art-and-Music-Tours/d562-g4-c14
http://walk-andalucia.com/
http://spainadventures.com/about-us/
http://www.peregrineadventures.com/europe#map
http://www.spain.info/en_US/consultas/propuestas-de-viaje-de-belleza-salud.html
http://www.spain.info/en_US/reportajes/faros_de_galicia_los_guardianes_del_fin_del_mundo.html

(both TASKS  should be finished by Monday, 27th April)

Clase de inglés. Weather forecast. El tiempo.

Watch this video and learn how to give a

WEATHER FORECAST.

Check this website which gives the weather forecast for UK, Ireland or any other country in Europe: http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/

TASK 1: Choose a day and a country and write a weather forecast yourself (add the corresponding map). (Wednesday, 11th March)

TASK 2: Choose a DESTINATION. You are a travel consultant. Prepare a presentation (5 minutes talk ) to promote interest in your destination and explain why people should visit it.
Describe the DESTINATION: location, geography, natural features and weather (the best time to go). Write about the attractions which are worth a visit, what to eat  and do (entertainments). Add some practical and relevant advice which you feel the potencial traveller should know about your destination.

(should be presented by Thrusday, 12th March)

Take the opportunity of your next visit to ITB Berlin to get to know this wonderful city a bit better.

While you are there, choose one of Berlin's top sights. Do some research on the chosen attraction and prepare a short commentary about it to present to the class. (Wednesday, 11th)

        (Students who are not travelling to Berlin should also do the task.)

          Consult these websites
          http://www.visitberlin.de/en
          http://www.itb-berlin.de/en/