5 statistics that will make you want to study travel and tourism!

Our Airport Training Centre is just one of the many perks of studying at ITC!

Every year, the Ministry of Business, Innovation, & Employment releases their annual Tourism Sentiment Survey. This survey offers an insight into how Kiwis are feeling about all things tourism, and if the recent release is anything to go by, it’s an exciting time to be in the industry!

Here are just 5 of the coolest facts from the latest survey results!

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Study Tourism or Aviation in 2026 and Make the Most of Fees Free Before It Ends

If you’ve been thinking about starting a career in tourism, travel, or aviation, now is the perfect time to make your move.

The New Zealand Government has confirmed that the current final-year Fees Free scheme will end after 2026. That means students who complete an eligible qualification during the 2026 calendar year can still apply for Fees Free, but future intakes may not have the same opportunity.

For students enrolling in ITC’s June and July 2026 intakes, there’s still time to complete your qualification by the end of 2026 and potentially access Fees Free before the scheme finishes.

Whether you want to study on campus or study from home anywhere in New Zealand, these upcoming intakes are designed to help you get qualified quickly and start building your future in one of New Zealand’s largest and most exciting industries.

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Meet Rose, the student who found ITC and happiness after years trying other paths!

Rose tried lots of study and work options, but wasn’t truly happy until she switched to Travel and Tourism!

It’s incredibly tough to know what you want to do with your life at just 18. Once you get a little older, you realise how challenging it is to have to try to pick a career path at that age – and then stick with it forever!

Rose was one of those students. Throughout her 20s, she studied all manner of pathways, and worked in all manner of jobs. But she knew none of it was really for her. That’s when she took interest in travel and tourism, discovered ITC, and made the life-changing decision to enrol.

Rose’s story is a particularly inspiring one, and one that will resonate with anyone who has ever been unsure of which path to take! (more…)

Meet Mike Matata – Inspiring the Next Generation of Tourism Professionals in Northland

At ITC, we are proud to have passionate industry professionals guiding our students toward exciting careers in tourism, aviation, travel and hospitality. One of those incredible educators is Mike Matata, who delivers our full-time programme in Whangārei and has helped many students pathway into tourism careers, airline roles, internships and even paid overseas exchanges.

With decades of industry experience and a genuine passion for helping young people succeed, Mike brings real-world knowledge and inspiration into the classroom every day.

A Passion for Aviation and Travel from a Young Age

Mike’s love for the tourism and airline industry started early.

“I was very fortunate that my family travelled frequently overseas when I was a kid and decided this was the industry for me, although I wasn’t sure which part at the time because the industry is so large.

The real passion started as a very young teenager, spending many weekends riding my bike out to Auckland International Airport with a friend plane spotting. My love for commercial aircraft and airlines became overwhelming, and that’s when my passion for the airline industry was born. I have never lost that passion.”

A Career Across Airlines, Cruises and Tourism

Mike’s tourism journey began when he studied a Diploma in Travel Management at ATI. While studying, he secured a Managerial Cadetship with Atlantic & Pacific Travel, one of New Zealand’s largest travel wholesalers and agencies at the time.

His dream of working for an international airline soon became reality.

“After three years at A&P, I was employed as a Sales Executive with Thai Airways. It was my dream job — working in sales for a large international airline.”

From there, Mike went on to work with several major international airlines including Virgin Atlantic Pacific, Ansett and America West Airlines before moving into the cruise sector.

“My love for the cruising industry started with Holland America Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Marco Polo Cruises. I’ve also worked across many different parts of the industry including wholesale, retail, inbound tourism and GSA operations.”

Today, Mike brings this wealth of industry experience into the classroom for ITC students in Northland.

Preparing Students for Real Industry Success

Mike believes one of the most important parts of teaching is helping students build confidence, professionalism and practical skills that employers are genuinely looking for.

“With continuous training and experience across different parts of the tourism and travel industry, I feel well qualified to prepare students for the workforce.

I focus heavily on practical skills and interpersonal communication — not just basic customer service, but strategies that help students confidently work with clients, solve problems and communicate professionally.”

Mike also trains students in airline, hotel and cruise reservation systems, travel product knowledge, presentations and one-on-one consultation skills to ensure they are work-ready.

Mike with our Whangarei student at Industry Expo

Watching Northland Students Grow

One of Mike’s favourite parts of teaching is seeing students develop over the year.

“Seeing how much they grow within the first four to six months is incredible. The confidence and knowledge they gain compared to when they first start is amazing.

Another highlight is seeing students offered employment opportunities and internships at the end of the year.”

Sharing a Passion for the Industry

For Mike, teaching is about more than qualifications, it’s about helping students realise they can achieve careers they may never have thought possible.

“I love sharing my knowledge of the industry with the next generation and helping students achieve their dream of being part of such an exciting industry.”

He also believes Northland students bring something truly special to tourism.

“It’s important to teach students how to work professionally while still keeping the warm, hospitable nature that Northland people are known for. That is very special.”

Mike’s Advice for Future Tourism Students

Mike encourages students to see study as an investment in their future.

“One year is minimal in a lifetime of employment. Preparing and learning about the industry before entering it can make a huge difference.

Having advanced knowledge, practical skills and industry experience is invaluable to employers when selecting candidates for jobs.”

Through his passion, experience and dedication, Mike continues to make a lasting impact on students across Northland,  helping them build confidence, gain industry skills and take their first steps toward exciting careers in tourism and aviation.

Learn from experienced tutors like Mike at ITC

Study at ITC, where the entire team has experience in the industry and is excited to share everything they’ve learned with you!

 We’re enrolling now – so register today and kick start your own career in tourism and travel!

Switching to ITC: Your FAQs Answered

Thinking about switching to ITC? Here are some of the most common questions we hear!

Note about Fees Free: The Government has confirmed that final-year Fees Free will finish at the end of December 2026. Learners who complete an eligible provider-based qualification or work-based programme in 2026 will remain able to apply for their final-year Fees Free entitlement within 12 months of completion, up to 31 December 2027.

Sometimes we chat with students who are already studying at a tertiary level, but want to learn more about how we do things at ITC.

These students might already be studying travel and tourism, or they might be enrolled in a completely different course. They might be local and keen to join us on campus, or they might live elsewhere in Aotearoa and want to try our distance learning option with Study From Home.

Whatever the case, we’re always here to answer your questions – and perhaps even to welcome you to our ITC whanau!

Here are some of the most common questions we hear, and how we answer them.

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Meet an inspiring Level 4 Study From Home Student: Savannah Larkin!

Savannah Larkin is studying our Level 4 certificate from home, all while still working!

Savannah Larkin went to Mountainview High School in Timaru, so when she wanted to begin studying for a qualification in Travel and Tourism, she didn’t have a huge range of options.

That’s when she discovered Study From Home, and was inspired by another online learner who graduated with us before landing her dream job. Savannah is now studying our Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Travel – all during her downtime from her job! 

Here’s what she had to say about the experience.

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Free ITC Open Days Coming Up! Stop in to Check Out Your Future!

Want a peek at what your future might look like?

Join us for a free Open Day at one of our campuses – or online!

ITC will soon be hosting Open Days where potential students (and their friends and whanau) can drop in to learn about your career opportunities and course options, meet your tutors, and take a guided tour of the campus.

It’s a great way to get a feel for what studying with us will look like, all before you enrol, and all without paying a cent!

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Take your first step into the world’s fastest growing sector!

Travel and tourism is one of the world’s biggest employers, and the fastest growing sector!

It’s a strange time for anyone starting their careers right now. The rise of AI has started to change the jobs landscape, which might be making it scary for people making career decisions.

And then there’s tourism and travel.

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Meet Anetta: ITC’s newest family member!

Anetta has a fantastic travel and tourism background, and can’t wait to share it with students!

Anetta Kusa is ITC’s newest family member, where she has recently joined as the Academic & Quality Manager.

Adding to the team’s array of experience, Anetta brings her own history of travel and tourism adventures. She started out in Poland, and has now spent more than 20 years here in Aotearoa!

Read on to learn more about her background, experience, and advice for ITC students!

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Introducing Birthe Bakker – Our Newest Botany Team Member!

Birthe Bakker is our Newest Botany Team Member, bringing a huge amount of travel and tourism experience to the team.

It’s been an exciting time here at ITC, as we recently welcomed a new Auckland City Tutor Fiona, and now we’re introducing our newest member of the team at Botany – Birthe Bakker!

Birthe is from the Netherlands, and has international experience helping travellers with personalised itineraries. She also brings a PhD to the team!

She is going to play a key role in educating and supporting our next generation of Kiwi travel and tourism experts, so we asked her a few quick questions to learn more. (more…)