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.
How did you begin your passion for the tourism industry?
I’ve always been fascinated by the way travel connects people, cultures, and ideas, and how it can open doors to new perspectives. Over time, that interest grew into a deeper curiosity about how tourism can be shaped to support communities and protect the places we care deeply about. That blend of people, place, and purpose is what drew me into the industry and continues to inspire me today.
What does your travel industry history look like?
After completing my Bachelor in International Tourism Management and my Master’s degree in Tourism, Society and Environment, I moved into the industry to gain hands‑on experience.
My journey began at Askja Reizen in the Netherlands, where I worked as a travel specialist for Canada and Alaska, creating personalised itineraries and supporting travellers through every step of their journey.
I later transitioned into business travel consultancy before eventually pursuing my PhD here in New Zealand, deepening my understanding of tourism and its impact on communities.
What was your favourite job you’ve done (aside from your new role at ITC!)?
I’ve genuinely enjoyed every role I’ve had in tourism.
I loved the customer interaction at the travel agency, helping people craft their perfect holidays and seeing their excitement build. I thrived in the fast‑paced world of business travel consultancy, where being organised and thinking ahead was essential. I also valued building my knowledge of New Zealand and the Pacific Islands through tourism research.
But if I had to choose a favourite, my time at the travel agency will always stand out, as it made me realise how deeply travel can resonate with people. It showed me how places hold meaning, shape identities, and create a sense of belonging; a fascination that stayed with me and ultimately inspired me to pursue my PhD to explore this further.
How will your experience help support students?
My experience in tourism has shown me how diverse, meaningful, and people‑centred this industry truly is. From seeing how travel can spark emotion and connection, to understanding the fast‑paced realities of corporate travel, to exploring how places shape identity and belonging in places.
These insights have shaped me and how I support others. I’m genuinely eager to guide students as they grow their confidence, develop their skills, and discover the parts of the industry that inspire them most.
What are you looking forward to the most in your new role?
I’m excited to create a space where students feel confident to ask questions, try new things, and connect what they learn to the real world. I’m looking forward to seeing students grow, gain clarity about their future, and to encourage them as they build confidence finding their own direction in the industry.
What do you think are the most important skills to have in the tourism industry?
I think the most important skills in tourism are the ones that help you connect with people and adapt to different situations. Being able to really listen and understand what someone needs makes a huge difference, as does staying open‑minded and curious about different cultures and perspectives.
Clear, warm communication and the ability to stay calm when things get busy also go a long way. When these skills come together, they help create experiences that feel meaningful and memorable.
What is your best advice for those getting into the industry now?
My best advice is to stay curious and open to everything the industry has to offer. Tourism is such a people‑centred field, and the more you’re willing to listen, learn, and step into new experiences, the more rewarding it becomes.
Don’t worry about having it all figured out from day one! Focus on building confidence, asking questions, and finding the parts of the industry that genuinely excite you! Opportunities tend to open up when you stay engaged, adaptable, and true to what inspires you.
Learn from the best at ITC
ITC is proud of the family we have created here. Everyone on the team brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the travel and tourism industry, and everyone is excited to share that with our students.
If that’s the kind of learning environment that excites you, we’d love to have you! Learn more about our courses here, or enrol online today!
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