ITC Industry News Bulletin #73

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, tourism is NZ’s top export, Taranaki has been named as the second-best destination to visit in 2017, and much more.

TOP STORIES

New Zealand’s top export announced: Tourism

New Zealand has long been known for its exports in dairy and agriculture, but new data has shown that tourism is now the number one export for the country.

In the year ending March 2016, the international tourism market drew $14.5 billion to the economy. Plus, more than 188,000 people are directly employed within the industry.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler, who is leaving the role after seven years in the position, is extremely proud of the result.

“The impact of tourism spend is far ranging, benefiting retail owners, supermarkets, petrol stations, restaurants and cafes in addition to accommodation and travel spend” he added.

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We’re giving away 20 scholarships!

We are giving away 20 scholarships to study at ITC in 2017 – applications open now!

Calling all travel lovers: you have a 1 in 20 chance of receiving a scholarship to study at ITC in 2017.

We are giving away 20 scholarships to celebrate our 20th birthday and to help 20 motivated individuals gain a qualification in airline, travel or tourism.

Scholarships range between $1,000 and $5,000 NZD and will be awarded to applicants who can demonstrate outstanding enthusiasm for the industry. Could that be you?

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #72

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, Air New Zealand continues to rake in awards, Queenstown has been named the top destination in Australasia, and much more.

TOP STORIES

Queenstown named Top Destination in World Travel Awards 

Queenstown was named the Top Destination in Australasia in the World Travel Awards this week.

This is the second time the town has won the award – it first received the honour in 2014. This year, Queenstown was up against fellow nominees Bora Bora, Auckland, the Gold Coast, the Whitsunday Islands, the Yasawa Islands in Fiji, and last year’s winner, Sydney.

Queenstown’s array of adventure activities, unbelievable scenery, food and wine scene, and relaxed culture no doubt helped it take the top spot, which is decided on by popular vote.

Additionally, New Zealand as a country won the award for being Australasia’s leading adventure tourism destination. With destinations such as Queenstown and Rotorua on offer, Aotearoa seems a shoe-in for this award year after year.

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Introducing the first class of the next 20 years

ITC’s first class of the next 20 years recently started at the City Campus.

The International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) is currently celebrating its 20th birthday. Students have been treated to cake, presents, and even a day off. But this special birthday is about so much more than celebrating past success – it’s also a chance to celebrate the future.

With this in mind, we’re proud to introduce you to our first class of the next 20 years: The 16NZCT3-09s.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #71

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, New Zealand is ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, the Otago Rail Trail continues to attract high numbers, and more.

TOP STORIES

New Zealand ranks as one of the safest countries in the world

 A Travel and Tourism Report from the World Economic Forum has just listed New Zealand as the seventh safest country in the world – and a top contender in several other areas as well.

The report is used to create benchmarks in 141 different economies around the world, using 14 different pillars with dozens of indicators. Safety and security is just one of those pillars, and can be used to give travellers an idea of what they can expect from a country.

Finland took the top spot in first place, Australia landed a place as the 13^th safest country in the world, and the US trailed behind in 73^rd.

New Zealand also managed good scores in ‘international openness’ in which it ranked third, and ‘business environment’ in which it ranked eighth.

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20 presents for 20 years

ITC’s 20th Birthday celebrations continue! On Monday, the College awarded 20 presents to 20 lucky students – congratulations to all the winners.

The International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) is continuing to celebrate two decades of teaching airline, travel and tourism courses.

Celebrations kicked off in late August, when staff and students received a spontaneous day off in honour of the College’s 20th birthday. Then, just a few weeks ago, all students were treated to a free piece of delicious cake.

But what makes a birthday celebration complete? Presents!

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #70

In this week’s travel and tourism news, Auckland welcomes a new Chinese airline, it’s Fijian Language Week in New Zealand, and much more.

TOP STORIES

New Chinese airline for NZ 

As tourism ties between China and New Zealand continue to strengthen, another Chinese airline is due to start flying to Auckland. Hainan Airlines will commence a thrice-weekly service between Auckland and Shenzhen in the near future.

The general manager of Auckland Airport, Norris Carter, is celebrating the addition of this new service, saying that it opens up further tourism opportunities.

“This non-stop service will not only grow the number of visitors from Southern China, it will also give Chinese travellers further connecting flight options to Auckland from other areas in China through the extensive Hainan Airlines’ network,” he said.

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ITC raises over $600 for the SPCA

Students from ITC’s Botany Campus recently held a bake sale to raise money for the SPCA.

The International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) is supporting the wonderful work of the SPCA. Students recently held a bake sale at the Botany Campus and raised a generous $636.70.

It was an amazing day for everyone involved, filled with great company and delicious treats – and all for a great cause.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #69

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, the world’s first privately owned rocket launch site has opened in NZ, regional tourism is on the rise, and more.

TOP STORIES

World’s 1^st private space launch site opens in New Zealand

‘Space tourism’ seems to be edging closer and closer every day. Rocket Lab, a US-based company, has opened the world’s first privately-owned space launch site on the Mahia peninsula near Wairoa.

Hawke’s Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas is already anticipating a tourism increase in the area.

“There is genuine interest in space tourism around the world, and the opportunity to see rockets launch from one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand provides a massive opportunity for Wairoa and the wider Hawke’s Bay region as well as Gisborne,” Annie told the New Zealand Herald.

Flights are expecting to sell for a cool $7.6 million and have already attracted the likes of NASA and Planet Labs.

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Cake, cake, and more cake!

ITC Head of Group Services Michelle Chatfield and Student Services Advisor Sharon Roy pose with one of ITC’s 20th birthday cakes.

The International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) is caked out. Earlier this month, we treated all staff and students to a piece of delicious cake to celebrate our 20th birthday – resulting in a mild but totally-worth-it ‘cake hangover’.

“It was cake overload!” says ITC Marketing Director Claire Huxley.

“We ordered a giant cake for the morning and afternoon classes at both campuses. It was wonderful to take some time out of the day to celebrate this special occasion.”

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