Introducing: ITC’s new Tourism Education Tutor!
Welcome to Laura Orsbourn, the newest member of the ITC family!
ITC is over the moon to welcome a brand new member of the team: Laura Orsbourn.
Laura will be a Tourism Education Tutor and provide marketing support for the Schools Team.
Not only is Laura an ITC graduate, having completed the Levels 3 and 4 Certificate in 2012 with distinction, she was also Student of the Year! After graduating, Laura worked at the Grand Mercure, where she was again honoured with the title of Employee of the Year. There, she worked in supervisor and training roles as well.
Laura returned to ITC in 2019 to complete the Level 5 Diploma before heading overseas to work for Disney. Since her return, she has been working at Tourism Holdings Ltd as a booking host and coordinator.
And now, finally, she returns to ITC once again – but this time as a team member! We’re so excited to have her, and of course had to take a moment to ask her more about her history and what she will bring to the ITC family.
What does your travel industry history look like?
I was 8 months old when I boarded my first aeroplane. And it’s safe to say I’ve been travelling the world ever since. Like many young adventurist, I thought I would become a flight attendant and travel the world, however after studying at ITC I found my passion in hotels. The range of jobs offered in hotels is amazing. I enjoyed all departments, but customer service is where I shine.
After working in hotels for 8 years, I came back to ITC to gain my diploma and make my way to Disneyworld in Florida. Working at the front desk of a Disney Deluxe resort required patience, energy, knowledge and a passion for creating magical moments.
Coming home to NZ due to Covid was difficult, but I was determined to get back to working in an industry I have so much love for. I jumped at the chance to work for Maui, Britz and Mighty campervans in their reservations team. I spent most of my time helping locals book holidays so they could get out and see their own backyard, when they would normally be booking an international trip.
How will your experience help support students?
I am fortunate enough to be able to share not only my industry experience, but also my ITC student experience as well. I know what these students are going through. And I want to be there to show them just how impressive and thrilling this industry can be, and how they can find their dream job. Passion is infectious, especially when it’s rooted in purpose.
What do you think are the most important skills to have in the tourism industry?
Adaptability, flexibility, patience and the willingness to go the extra mile. Put yourself in your customers shoes and give them the best experience of you and your workplace they can have.
What’s next for tourism industry?
I believe the pandemic hit the tourism industry the hardest. However it is clear that all sectors are being creative and trying so hard to bounce back. More innovative and exciting opportunities are being dreamt up every day. No matter what comes its way, the tourism industry will never rest and there will always be adventures waiting for those who are seeking them.
What is your best advice for those getting into the industry now?
Keep an open mind! There are so many jobs and opportunities that you wouldn’t even know or think of when you are first starting out. And you won’t stay in entry level jobs for long. The more experience you gain in customer service, operating systems, networking and self-management, paired with a positive and willing attitude, the world will really be your oyster.
Study with ITC and learn from incredible tutors like Laura
Laura is a wonderful ambassador for the travel and tourism industry, and we know she will be right at home amongst our incredible team or tutors and educators. It’s important to ITC that students can learn from those who have truly experienced the industry for themselves, which provides real-world knowledge for the next generation of travel and tourism workers.
If you’re interested in studying somewhere that lives and breathes travel and tourism, we’d love to have you. Get in touch to learn more about our courses or how to enrol today.
Campus Study – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.itc.co.nz/contact-us/
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