Introducing Daniel Maine
ITC’s new short course tutor, Daniel Maine, enjoying a holiday in Paris. His travel and tourism career has taken him all around the world!
Daniel Maine recently joined the ITC Tourism Education Team as a short course tutor. Below he tells us a little bit about his career to-date, and his healthy travel obsession.
Travel, food, fashion, wine, culture and history are some of my greatest passions, and the reasons why I travel the world. Once I graduated with IATA/UFTAA and Travel & Tourism diplomas, I briefly moved abroad. I love travelling so can never get enough, and without hesitation I would pack my bags when an occasion arises. Luckily, I was able to visit my most favourite and exotic places that I once hung posters of in my room.
Returning to NZ I decided to pursue what I had studied for and successfully started my career with our national carrier, Air New Zealand. For the next 10 years I gained so much experience as a Senior Customer Services Agent in every aspect of airport life, from Check-In to Airport Operational roles. I enjoyed meeting new people, made great long lasting friendships, and am a proud Air New Zealander.
I enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the airport environment and learning what customer service is really about, and putting my studies into practice. The best part was meeting and greeting celebrities! I enjoyed my job and relished the staff travel benefits.
My curiosity redirected me to another path, so I joined Flight Centre. What fun I had learning about company culture, business acumen – and how to party! I learnt so much product knowledge of hotels, other airlines, cruises, and developed different skills. The frequent famil trips allowed me to explore each product so that I may share my experience with potential customers, knowing that they’ll have the trip of their lives.
Putting together an itinerary for my customer was just as enjoyable as watching their eyes glow with excitement when their dream holiday becomes a reality.
Through networking, I seized a fantastic opportunity in the Sales and Distribution team with Qantas Airways. My experience grew with leading projects such as Qantas Social Media, Engagement Team, and the UK/Ireland Netfares Team. I learnt so much more about a different aspect of an airline business, and I successfully became part of the Qantas Promotional Team. This role opened doors to the marketing and events world that saw me travel locally and abroad representing the Qantas brand in the latest uniform designed by a Paris based Australian Designer.
Through restructure of the business and successfully obtaining a new role, I decided to hang up my wings after 8 years and join the ITC family. The fabulous part is I am still able to benefit from Business Class Staff travel perks, so I can still see my friends and family around the globe.
Travel & tourism is such a robust industry, forever changing and I’m stoked to share my passion with the Marketing Team at ITC and potential students.
Travel is about capturing special moments and lifetime memories. More importantly every time I travel, I appreciate our green pastures and food when I come home. Home sweet home.
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