ITC connects high schools with tourism industry

Teachers from around Auckland enjoy a fun afternoon at Rainbow’s End as part of an ITC Professional Development Day

On Tuesday 25th August a group of high school teachers, career advisors and STAR/Gateway coordinators became students for the day at the International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC). Every year ITC hosts several professional development (PD) days to educate secondary school professionals about the tourism industry.

“Our PD days provide that critical link between the high schools and industry,” says ITC Account Manager and PD day organiser Ceri Jenkins.

“Many of the high schools have no links with the industry and therefore have very little firsthand knowledge to pass onto the students. Once teachers have attended a PD day, they will walk away with 4 or 5 new contacts who are all keen to come in and talk to their students about what’s happening in the tourism industry.”

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #17

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news: Queenstown NZ launches a new marketing campaign, Tourism New Zealand reports increased numbers of business visitors, cruise season looks to boom over summer and much, much more.

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New campaign encourages a ‘sick day-stow away’ to Queenstown

Queenstown NZ has launched a brilliant new tongue-in-cheek marketing campaign designed to convince Australians to ‘pull a sickie’ and visit the city for a long weekend. This video perfectly captures the appeal of Queenstown in a fun and humorous way, which is bound to capture the attention of our friends across the ditch.

The clip is fronted by Australian comedian Dan Ilic, who highlights that the video is meant to be taken as a joke (sickies not condoned!).

“The team at Destination Queenstown felt they might get in trouble if they were to teach the entire Australian workforce how to skip work and escape to the snow,” Dan said. “As a comedian, they thought I might get away with it.”

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ITC Industry Expo brings students face-to-face with top tourism businesses

ITC students Faustina Tevaga (far left) and Patricia Tosoga (far right) with Emma Holly and Chrissie Urlich from Air New Zealand.

Students at the International Travel College (ITC) recently had the amazing opportunity to meet representatives from some of New Zealand’s leading tourism businesses.

The annual ITC Industry Expo was held on August 27 and attended by Air New Zealand, Auckland Bridge Climb and Bungy, AVSEC, Nomads Backpackers, Maritime Museum, Intercity and ATEED. Representatives from each of these successful companies took time out of their busy schedules to share their experiences with ITC students, creating a unique chance for the students to learn directly from the very best in the industry.

Event organiser and ITC Account Manager Ceri Jenkins said this day arms students with the information they need to have a successful career in airline, travel or tourism, including CV tips, interview advice and more.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #16

Aviation news is dominating the headlines this week, with Jetstar announcing new regional flight routes and China Southern Airlines unveiling additional flights to the South Island.

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New air services boost regional economies

New Jetstar flights to Nelson, Napier, New Plymouth and Palmerston North are expected to have a positive impact on regional economies, according to Tourism Industry Association chief executive Chris Roberts.

“We support their approach of building up a sustainable network that will encourage visitors to get off the beaten track and see more of New Zealand,” Mr Roberts said in a press release on Monday.

The new flights are also expected to boost domestic tourism.

“New Zealanders travelling within their own country contribute $37 million in economic activity every day. Offering them more good value options for flights will definitely boost that spending,” Mr Roberts added.

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ITC Red Nose Day fun raises over $230 for Cure Kids

The generous students at ITC raised a total of $232.10 for Cure Kids on Red Nose Day

Students at the International Travel College (ITC) aren’t just known for their passion for airline, travel and tourism; they’re also gaining a reputation for being incredibly generous!

ITC regularly runs bake sales, mufti days and other student events to raise money for New Zealand charities. These events are a great way for students to socialise and have fun, while at the same time contributing to an important cause.

Friday August 21st was Red Nose Day, a fundraising campaign for Cure Kids New Zealand – the charity that funds important medical research into conditions that affect Kiwi kids.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #15

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, New Zealand surpasses 3 million annual overseas visitors, new Easter Sunday trading laws announced, Air NZ reports record growth and much more.

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Overseas visitors hit 3 million milestone

The number of overseas visitors to New Zealand surpassed 3 million for the first time ever late last week, Statistics New Zealand revealed. From July 2014 to July 2015, a record-breaking 3,002,982 visitors entered the country – a 7 per cent increase from the year before.

Statistics New Zealand population statistics senior manager Vina Callum said increased arrivals from markets such as Australia and China helped achieve this important milestone.

For more coverage about this milestone, and how it relates to the Tourism 2025 goals, see these statements from the Tourism Industry Association and Tourism New Zealand.

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ITC Famil Trip August 2015: Kelsi’s Story

ITC student Kelsi (far right) with some of her classmates on the August Famil Trip to Rotorua and beyond.

Student blogger Kelsi recently went on a four-day Famil trip around New Zealand’s central North Island. This trip is included in the New Zealand Certificate in Travel Level 4 and is one of the highlights of studying at ITC, as it’s a chance to experience the travel and tourism industry firsthand. Kelsi gives us a rundown of this amazing trip, featuring adrenalin-pumping white water rafting and the best Maori fry-bread ever!

Day 1: Bye for now, Auckland!

On Monday the 10th of August, three combined classes and one (brave) teacher set off with Stray for the ITC Famil to Rotorua! Tutu was our driver and once we were out of the CBD, he told us what to expect from the trip and a little bit about the company. A popular option with tourists, Stray offers a hop-on, hop-off bus service and guided coach tours throughout New Zealand and Asia.

Our first stop was Matamata, the home of Hobbiton. We had lunch at the I-site, which is shaped like a hobbit house!

Some of Kelsi’s classmates at the i-site in Matamata

After photos had been taken and lunch eaten, we continued on to Agroventures in Rotorua. Debbie, the Sales and Marketing Manager, talked a little about her career and the activities they offer at Agroventures. The most popular attraction is the Swoop, a 40 metre high swing. You are safe inside a full body harness but have to pull your own rip cord, swing down toward the ground before cables catch you. You can reach speeds of 130kph.

Debbie had some great advice for us: “Build excellent working relationships as they will make a difference in your travel and tourism career.”

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #14

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news: Air New Zealand’s safety video goes viral, beautiful South Island landscapes attract global attention, regional centres continue to report tourism growth, and more.

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Air New Zealand Men in Black Safety Defenders a crowd pleaser

Last week Air New Zealand released a brilliant new safety video, ‘Men in Black Safety Defenders’, featuring several high profile All Blacks, coach Steve Hansen and singer Stan Walker. To say this video went viral would be an understatement; more than 12.9 million online views were recorded in its first four days, and the video has been shared by major global news outlets including Time.com and The Telegraph.

“It’s been fantastic seeing the reaction to Men in Black Safety Defenders both online and from the feedback we’ve received from customers,” says Jodi Williams, Air New Zealand Head of Global Development.

“We have been a longstanding supporter of the All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby and it’s been great for us to be able to release this latest video and show our support for the team.”

Way to go Air New Zealand!

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Three reasons to consider a career with a rental company

Working for a car and motorhome rental company like JUCY Rentals is a great way to help tourists see our beautiful country. Pictured: the JUCY Casa campervan.

Have you ever considered working for a car & campervan rental company? This career choice may be less talked about than jobs like flight attending and tour guiding, but it’s no less rewarding. Here are three reasons why you should definitely think about working in this exciting part of the tourism industry.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #13

Bringing you the latest news from the Airline, Airport, Travel and Tourism industries

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All Blacks to build ‘experience’ attraction on Auckland waterfront

New Zealand Rugby is building an interactive All Blacks attraction in Wynyard Quarter. Called ‘The All Blacks Experience’, this attraction will offer rugby-loving tourists the chance to learn more about how the sport is played in New Zealand, and is scheduled to open in 2017.

According to Steve Tew, New Zealand Rugby chief executive, this attraction fills a gap in the market and will draw substantial interest.

“Our research shows there is a real demand for an all-weather attraction like this on Auckland’s waterfront serving international and domestic visitors as well as Auckland locals,” Steve said.

“With tourism numbers growing rapidly, the business case stacks up strongly.”

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