Introducing Aruna Crichton and Susanne Snow

The lovely Aruna (on her birthday) and Susanne, our two fantastic student services advisors based at the ITC City Campus.

Aruna and Susanne recently joined the ITC City Campus team as Student Services Advisors. They are the lovely smiling faces you’ll see at the reception desk or the bright voices you’ll hear on the phone. Both ITC graduates, they are perfectly placed to help current students. Learn more about their experience and travel dreams below.

Aruna

I have always been interested in travel and tourism and wanted to work in this exciting industry. I completed a short course with ITC while in high school and enjoyed it so much I decided to enrol in 2012!

I chose to study at ITC because it’s a friendly environment and I felt so welcome from the day I first stepped into the building. I enrolled on both the Level 3 and Level 4 courses and graduated from both. This was a really good experience for me as I got to learn new things about the industry and see places I’ve never been to. I enjoyed going on work experience with SkyJump as I got to see what it’s like to work as one of the frontline staff dealing with a lot of international tourists. I also had the opportunity to experience one of New Zealand’s major tourist destinations – Rotorua. This was a huge highlight for me.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #37

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, it’s all about the celebs. Taylor Swift recently gushed about NZ in an exclusive behind-the-scenes video about her music clip Out of the Woods, while Aussie celeb Megan Gale has joined forces with Tourism New Zealand to promote NZ cycle trails.

TOP STORIES

Taylor Swift endorsement a gift to NZ tourism

With more than 65 million followers on Instagram and a legion of devoted fans across the globe, Taylor Swift is one of the most influential celebrities of our time. It bodes well for New Zealand, then, when she publicly gushes about our country.

“We are in New Zealand on one of – not one of – the most beautiful beach I’ve ever been on in my life,” the star said in a video that’s recently emerged from her time filming the music video for Out of the Woods on Bethells Beach.

Tourism New Zealand marketing manager Andrew Fraser told 3 News that you can’t put a price tag on this type of exposure.

“Certainly someone of her scale, 74 million Facebook fans, choosing to come down here on holiday with her family before Christmas – money can’t buy authentic endorsement from a superstar,” Mr Fraser said.

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Six ITC graduates share their tips for success

From left to right: Tuita, Jessica, Lewis, Gemma, Mohammed and Evelin. Now leading successful careers in the tourism industry, each of these graduates share their tips for success with current ITC students.

Studying can be hard. Sometimes, you might be tempted to skip class or take a break. But, as these successful ITC graduates will tell you, it’s all worth it! When you’re feeling low on motivation, read these tips and remember: there’s an amazing career waiting for you when you graduate.

“If you feel like you have been studying for a lifetime and that graduating is so far away, keep working hard because in the end it will all be worth it. Study hard and it will pay off.”

– Jessica Adamson, Customer Service Representative, Contiki

“If you really want to do something go get it and DREAM BIG.”

– Lewis Wilson, Slide Operator, Disney World

“Study hard and aim high. Try your best in everything you do, because your future is what counts.”

– Tuita Tokareta, Customer Service Representative, 360 Discovery Cruises

“Make the most of every opportunity you are given. Even if it’s not your dream job, but if it helps you get one step closer, grab it with both hands and run with it.”

– Evelin Toala, Flight Redemption Consultant, American Express

“The best advice I could give them is to always show up to class, make sure they do the work, to put in the hard work now and it will pay off in the end. Make sure you finish all of your assessments.”

– Mohammed Alzergawi, Sales Representative, Disney

“Study seriously, put in the hours and do the work to your best standard. The travel industry is competitive and the best jobs go to those who are willing to work for them.”

– Gemma Delia, Wholesale Travel Agent, Adventure Travel

ITC Industry News Bulletin #36

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, Emirates has announced a new daily service between Dubai and Auckland, and newly released arrival statistics from December top off a great 2015.

TOP STORIES

Auckland Airport welcomes new Emirates non-stop Dubai-Auckland daily service

From March 2, Emirates will offer a nonstop daily flight between Dubai and Auckland – a move Auckland Airport’s general manager Norris Carter believes will inject millions of dollars into the New Zealand economy.

“This new flight will help to significantly increase the number of people travelling between New Zealand and Europe, India and of course the Middle East. It will help to further stimulate travel, trade and tourism with these important and growing markets,” Mr Carter said in a press release.

He estimates the service will contribute “an additional $125 million every year to the New Zealand economy”.

The flight is expected to be one of the longest services on the market, taking approximately 17 hours and 15 minutes.

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Learning outside the classroom: ITC students visit Te Tahawai Marae

ITC students learn how to weave flax and perform a traditional Maori song and dance at Te Tahawai Marae

A group of students from ITC’s South Auckland campus recently visited Te Tahawai Marae in Pakuranga to learn about Māori culture. The students are currently studying a cultural unit which requires them to research the many different cultures that are important to New Zealand’s tourism industry.

They were welcomed onto the marae with a traditional powhiri, followed by an engaging history lesson about the marae’s heritage. The group learned about the significance of some carvings and listened to stories that have been passed down from ancestors.

ITC tutor Cathy Alder said it was wonderful to see the students enjoy this special experience.

“As most of our students are from different parts of the world, this is sometimes their first time in a marae. This visit was a great insight into the beliefs and practices of Māori culture, as well as an insight as to how much this culture is a part of the New Zealand tourism industry,” says Cathy.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #35

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, Air New Zealand launches a new recruitment campaign for flight attendants, the TIA chief executive shares his thoughts on the industry and much more.

TOP STORIES

Air New Zealand’s new campaign calls for Kiwis who aspire to fly

Air New Zealand is on the lookout for new flight attendants to join its team. The airline recently launched a new recruitment video, highlighting the benefits of being a flight attendant – as told by real Air New Zealand staff.

The video is a great insight into the life of cabin crew and will no doubt inspire many aviation students to apply.

Air New Zealand’s general manager of cabin crew, Leeanne Langridge, reveals what the airline looks for in its candidates.

“We never stop pushing ourselves to find passionate, proud and dedicated flight attendants who represent our brand values, and go beyond to make a difference in our customers’ journey,” Ms Langridge said.

You can keep up-to-date with Air New Zealand’s new campaign by following the hashtag #AspireToFly on social media.

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Introducing Celeste Cakau

A warm welcome to Celeste Cakau – a new tutor at ITC’s City Campus.

Live. Laugh. Love. As cliché as it is, these three words are what sparked my interest in the airline, travel and tourism industry.

I started my working life as a teller/banking consultant, dealing with customers. I enjoyed playing with everyone else’s money, however this was not where my heart lay! LOVE. They say if you love what you do then it won’t feel like work, so… I decided to make a change.

In 2009, I completed a Tourism and Aviation Certificate with the Air New Zealand Aviation Institute and started working with Menzies as a Passenger Service Agent. In 2010, I became a flight attendant with Jetstar, flying Domestic and Trans-Tasman routes. I also worked part time in the office helping with rosters and banking (couldn’t stay away from the money!).

In 2012, I became a Cabin Crew Trainer, training new recruits and assessing current crew in emergency and standard operating procedures. This is where you could say the LIVE part came in as I was mainly based in Melbourne but also trained out of Brisbane. I was literally living out of a suitcase and couldn’t tell you what day of the week it was.

In the same year, I also helped to set up the Jetstar Auckland Base Training at the Air New Zealand Aviation Institute (coincidentally where I did my travel and tourism course). Glad to be back in NZ and wanting to continue teaching to help students prepare for the travel and tourism industry, I became a training facilitator with the Air New Zealand Aviation Institute. I have a passion for teaching and like to make learning fun by having a lot of laughs.

I was lucky enough in 2013 to tick my dream destination off my bucket list….. EGYPT – my first ever tour with Top Deck Tours. It was amazing!!

My advice to you is work hard so that you can play hard. The Travel and Tourism Industry is by far the most challenging & exciting industry to work in where no two days are the same.

– Celeste

ITC Industry News Bulletin #34

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, Tourism New Zealand celebrates a huge social media milestone, Air New Zealand impresses its customers with great coffee and much more.

TOP STORIES

TNZ exceeds staggering 2.25 million social media fans!

Tourism New Zealand is doing an amazing job of marketing our beautiful country on social media. The organisation has just surpassed 2.25 million fans, with 2 million ‘likes’ on Facebook and 253,000 followers on Instagram.

“To put it into context, our 2 million Facebook followers put us in the top 10 NZ Facebook pages – right up there with the All Blacks!” said director of marketing Andrew Fraser.

Mr Fraser said Tourism New Zealand is leveraging these channels to market NZ as a great destination to both prospective travellers and those currently visiting.

“The beauty of social media is that it enables us to engage with individuals at different stages of the holiday cycle, be it during planning or while they are here, and tailor our activity to fit with their changing requirements,” he said.

He added that he’s looking forward to seeing the organisation’s social media presence expand even further in 2016.

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How to dress professionally on a budget

ITC requires students to follow a corporate black and white dress code. Students look smart and professional every day, helping them gain confidence and prepare for a career in tourism.

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” – Rachel Zoe

The above quote may have been uttered by a celebrity fashion designer, but it is actually incredibly relevant to travel and tourism students.

As the tourism industry is largely customer-facing, employers look for staff who have excellent personal presentation. That’s why ITC enforces a corporate black and white dress code.

Every student is required to wear professional black and white clothing to college, every day. This helps to prepare students for the industry and ensures they always look fantastic for when employers visit campus.

We understand that finding corporate clothing isn’t easy for everyone, which is why we’ve come up with some tips to dress to impress – on a budget. You don’t need designer labels or a lot of money to look fantastic. Here are some ideas to help you update your wardrobe for 2016 at very little cost.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #33

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, New Zealand hotels enjoyed great growth in 2015, affordable AirAsia X flights are coming to Auckland and much more.

TOP STORIES

NZ hotels increase yield & productivity in 2015

2015 was an excellent year for New Zealand hotels, according to new statistics published by the Tourism Industry Association (TIA). The average occupancy rate was 79 per cent – the highest it’s been in years. The revenue per available room was up 13 per cent compared to 2014.

TIA chief executive Chris Roberts says although the “upward trend is encouraging”, the industry still has room for improvement.

“Hotel revenues in New Zealand are still below what is being achieved in Australia and high land and construction costs in New Zealand remain a barrier,” Mr Roberts said.

He believes more investment in hotel infrastructure is needed in order to meet Tourism 2025 goals.

“It is essential that we encourage investment to improve the quality of current infrastructure to meet rising visitor expectations, as well as creating a positive environment for investment in new facilities,” he said.

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