Happy Birthday ITC!
This year, ITC is celebrating its 20th birthday, marking two decades since it first opened its doors in 1996.
What were you doing 20 years ago? Whether you were studying, working, travelling, or even yet to be born, something happened 20 years ago that has since shaped the life of thousands of travel and tourism students: ITC was born.
On 3 September 1996, the International Travel College of New Zealand opened its doors for the first time. This was long before the days of the City Road or Botany campus; the first campus was located on Hobson Street in Auckland city, just around the corner from the Sky Tower (which was built only two years prior, in 1994).
Founded by Karen Houston, ITC quickly earned an excellent reputation for its innovative teaching methods and intimate class sizes. Back then, as now, studying at ITC was like ‘being part of a family’. You don’t just walk away with a qualification; you walk away with lifelong friends and a passion for travel and tourism.
To celebrate this exciting and important milestone, ITC is giving staff and students a day off this Friday, 2 September.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today without our amazing staff and students, so this is a way for us to say thank you,” says Marketing Director Claire Huxley.
“On Friday, everyone will have the opportunity to pause and reflect on the ITC journey so far.”
One person that has much to celebrate and reflect on is ITC Managing Director Kerry Priestley. Kerry has been with the College since the very beginning, and has inspired many staff and students with his in-depth knowledge of the tourism industry and his entertaining sense of humour.
“ITC has changed a lot over 20 years, but one thing that has remained consistent is our focus on preparing students for an exciting career in airline, travel and tourism,” says Kerry.
“We’ve innovated and adapted to new market trends and demands, and we continue to be passionate about this incredible sector and all the opportunities it provides for our students and graduates moving forward.”
Over the coming weeks and months, we hope to share more stories about ITC throughout the years – watch this space. But in the meantime, let’s all raise a metaphorical glass (or slice of birthday cake) to celebrate this special milestone. Happy birthday ITC!
Please note both the City Road and Botany campuses will be closed on Friday 2nd September, and will reopen from 7.30am on Monday 5th September.
Posted in In the Community, News, Staff News |2 Responses to “Happy Birthday ITC!”
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Mehul Thakkar says:
Hi Carla, that is awesome. Happy birthday to ITC. 20 years. That’s something. Many congratulations to all the staff members.
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Lesley Brough says:
Thank you Mehul!
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Mehul Thakkar 
Lesley Brough