Five reasons why you should study travel and tourism – according to ITC graduates

Posted on 08/03/2016 by Jess O'Connor

The New Zealand tourism industry is growing at a phenomenal pace. Everywhere you look new hotels and convention centres are being built, tourist attractions are popping up, international flight paths are being scheduled and visitor numbers are breaking records.

All of this makes 2016 a great year to study travel and tourism – but, of course, you’d expect us to say that!

The people you really want to hear from are the ITC graduates – the ones who have studied tourism and seen for themselves the doors it can open.

Without further ado, here’s five reasons why you should pursue this exciting career path, straight from the mouths of recent graduates.

1. Working in tourism is a way to see the world

Not many careers offer the opportunity to travel – tourism is truly special in that regard. Whether you pursue a future as a flight attendant, tour guide or travel agent, many jobs will one day take you to places you can only dream of right now.

“Since I was very young I wanted to go and see places. I left my home country to discover the world and I was meant to be away for one year but today I have been travelling for seven years,” says Romain Villard, who is a cabin crew member with Emirates.

“It has become an exciting lifestyle for me.”

2. You get to meet people from different cultures

One of the best things about travelling is meeting people from all walks of life. When you work in the tourism industry, this becomes a daily reality!

“My work doesn’t feel like work anymore but more of a holiday. I get to meet people from around the world,” says ITC graduate Jezreel Christopher, who is now working as a Ground Crew Member for SkyJump.

Hospitality Ambassador at Auckland Airport, Lava Tauposa, agrees.

“It is an amazing job because I get to meet a lot of different people from around the world who come from different backgrounds,” says Lava.

3. There’s some pretty awesome perks

Most travel and tourism jobs come with some pretty cool perks – staff members usually get to experience their company’s product or service for free or for heavily discounted rates.

Lewis Wilson is a Slide Operator at Disney and says his career provides him with “free entry to all of the parks and private parties at the water parks”. Not a bad way to spend your time off!

4. The travel bug is infectious – you can’t escape it

For Evelin Toala, a Flight Redemption Consultant at American Express, the ‘buzz’ of travel is what she loves most about the industry.

“I love the buzz at airports! Watching pilots rush from gate to gate, passengers looking for check in desks, luggage being hauled around, planes landing and taking off, tearful farewells, exciting welcomes… I couldn’t help but want to be a part of it,” says Evelin.

5. It’s so much FUN

Ever wondered why people who work in tourism always have such big smiles on their faces? And are always laughing and having a great time? Because a job in this industry is FUN! What can be more exciting than coming to work every day and meeting people from all over the world who are on vacation?

Don’t wait until next year to start your tourism career – call 0800 868 747 to enrol with ITC today!

Posted in Student success | Tagged Study travel and tourism, tourism career |