Tourism Grade 12 Exam Guidelines Scope 2026

Tourism Grade 12 Exam Guidelines and Scope for 2026: To achieve top marks in Tourism Grade 12 for the 2026 academic year, learners must master everything from complex currency conversions to the ethical management of heritage sites. While the official 2026 Department of Basic Education (DBE) examination timetable is yet to be released, these Exam Guidelines provide the definitive scope for your revision.

The Tourism curriculum is designed to produce professionals who understand the global travel industry, tour planning, and the importance of sustainable development in South Africa.

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Download Tourism Grade 12 Exam Guidelines (PDF)

Access the official documents to ensure your study plan is 100% aligned with the 2026 CAPS requirements:

• Download Tourism Grade 12 Exam Guidelines 2025-2026 (English)
• Download Tourism Grade 12 Exam Guidelines 2025-2026 (Afrikaans)

For more support, including tour planning templates and foreign exchange practice worksheets, visit the My Courses homepage or explore the Grade 12 Study Resources hub.

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2026 Exam Structure: Paper 1 (Single Paper)

Duration: 3 Hours | Total Marks: 200

The Tourism final exam is a comprehensive assessment divided into five compulsory sections. Success requires a balance of factual recall and practical calculation skills.

Section A: Short Questions (40 Marks)

• Question 1: Covers the entire Grade 12 curriculum. Expect multiple-choice, matching items, and terminology.

Section B: Map Work and Foreign Exchange (50 Marks)

• Question 2: Map Work and Tour Planning: Focuses on interpreting world time zones, itinerary design, and travel requirements (visas, health).
• Question 3: Foreign Exchange: You must be able to calculate currency conversions using the Buying Rate (BSR) and Selling Rate (VSR).

Section C: Attractions, Cultural Tourism, and Marketing (50 Marks)

• Question 4: Tourism Attractions: Identifying world icons (e.g., Machu Picchu, Colosseum) and South African UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Question 5: Cultural and Heritage Tourism: Understanding indigenous knowledge systems and the preservation of heritage.
• Question 6: Marketing: Branding South Africa as a destination and the role of SATourism.

Section D: Tourism Sectors and Responsible Tourism (30 Marks)

• Question 7: Tourism Sectors: Professionalism in the industry and the pillars of sustainable tourism.
• Question 8: Sustainable and Responsible Tourism: The “Triple Bottom Line” (People, Planet, Profit) and ethical tourism practices.

Section E: Domestic, Regional, and International Tourism (30 Marks)

• Question 9: Travel Trends: Analyzing global events (like the Olympics) and their impact on tourism.
• Question 10: Customer Care: Handling complaints, service excellence, and managing diverse cultural expectations.

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Key Focus Areas for 2026

To reach a “Level 7,” pay close attention to these high-weighting skills:

1. Time Zone Calculations: Master the steps for calculating time and date changes across the International Date Line.
2. UNESCO Sites: Know the location and significance of all 10 South African World Heritage Sites.
3. Global Events: Be prepared to discuss how major international sporting or cultural events influence travel patterns.
4. The Triple Bottom Line: Understand how a tourism business can be profitable while also benefiting the local community and the environment.

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Conclusion: Strategy for 2026 Success

The Tourism Grade 12 Exam Guidelines for 2026 emphasize that students often lose marks on technical tour planning. Ensure you can draft a professional itinerary that includes transport, accommodation, and activities.

Remember that your Practical Assessment Task (PAT) is a vital component of your final mark. Ensure your PAT research is thorough and well-presented. For the latest 2026 matric updates and specialized revision tips, stay tuned to My Courses.