M2- Explain how developments, trends and factors are currently having a significant effect on the travel and tourism sector.

For M2, learners should demonstrate that they are able to identify recent and current developments, trends and factors that are having a significant effect on the travel and tourism sector and explain how and why this is happening. For example, in 2009, the weak pound against the Euro proved to be expensive for people holidaying in the Euro Zone and encouraged UK tourists to holiday at home or in other parts of the world where the pound was stronger. This in turn had an effect on passenger numbers into Europe and had a negative impact on some low cost carriers. The work for M2 must be up to date and will change year on year during the life of this qualification. Learners must demonstrate that they are able to link recent and current developments, trends and factors to what is happening in the sector today and provide clear explanations with justification that should include supporting statistics